Houston Defender: March 31, 2016

MICHAEL BEASLEY SCORES FOR HOUSTON ROCKETS OFF THE BENCH, P14

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Volume 85 | Number 22 MARCH 31, 2016 | FREE

NEWSTALK COMMISSIONER GENE LOCKE kicks off debris removal

P2 ENTERTAINMENT JUSTIN HIRES stars in TV’s ‘Rush Hour’

P6 HS ZONE QUINCY MCAFEE baseball throwback at Westside

FINAL FOUR WHAT TO DO IN HOUSTON H PAGE 8

P15 TOP EVENTS

Clyde Drexler with Jackson Middle School students at TV giveaway

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Maxine Waters helps homeless

California Congresswoman Maxine Waters introduced legislation that she believes can end homelessness in America. See why her proposal includes billions in new funding.

Find out about resources to provide decent, affordable housing.

H PAGE 3

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South Africa’s 1st Lady speaks

South Africa’s First Lady Gloria Bongi Ngema-Zuma, who is married to President Jacob Zuma, recently paid a visit to Houston.

Read about her background. Hear what she says about her role.

Get the facts on her foundation and its mission.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

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newstalk

Precinct One starts debris removal project Harris County Commissioner Gene Locke, joined by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, recently kicked off Precinct One’s debris removal program minutes before county workers removed illegally dumped trash and boarded up an abandoned house.

The cleanup of a lot in the 1300 block of West Little York in Houston’s Acres Homes community is another step in Locke’s initiative to partner with the City of Houston to improve the condition of neighborhoods in Precinct One and the city limits.

“The quality of life is impacted directly and indirectly by debris that you see here,” Locke said, pointing at a pile of trash in the front yard.

“This kind of debris troubles neighborhoods throughout Houston and Precinct One. And by working together, we think we’ve come up

with a way to give taxpayers a better bang for their buck by more efficiently and more effectively tackling the issue of public nuisances like this.”

Turner said the county’s work will help the city clean 600 lots throughout Houston.

City officials used the civilcourt process to have the 600 lots declared public nuisances, which allows government workers to enter private property to remove blight and improve the safety of the immediate area. If necessary, abandoned structures will be boarded up.

In addition, the abatement program involves Precinct One crews and contractors mowing grass and weeds, and removing illegally dumped trash on public rights of way.

For more information call 713991-6881.

Commissioner Gene Locke and Mayor Sylvester Turner are tackling the issue of debris removal.

Funding targets heroin, painkiller abuse Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $94 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 271 health centers in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to improve and expand the delivery of substance abuse services in health centers, with a specific focus on treatment of opioid use disorders in underserved populations.

Houston Area Community Services, located at 2150 W. 18th, is receiving $325,000.

“The opioid epidemic is one of the most press-

ing public health issues in the United States today,” Burwell said.

“Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and integrating these services in health centers bolsters nationwide efforts to curb opioid misuse and abuse, supports approximately 124,000 new patients accessing substance use treatment for recovery and helps save lives.”

The abuse of and addiction to opioids, such as heroin and prescription pain medication, is a serious

and increasing public health problem.

Approximately 4.5 million people in the United States were non-medical prescription pain reliever users in 2013, and an estimated 289,000 were current heroin users.

HHS also estimates the number of unintentional overdose deaths from prescription pain medications has nearly quadrupled from 1999 to 2013, and deaths related to heroin increased 39 percent between 2012 and 2013.

localbriefs HOUSTON CHILDREN WILL BENEFIT from $498,592 in funding for out-of-school time programs through the end of the school year through a collaborative called CASE for Kids City Connections. The partnership between the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids, or CASE for Kids, and the City of Houston supplies funding to all 11 City Council districts A-K through nonprofit organizations and schools.

CASE for Kids is an afterschool intermediary which provides funding, professional development and networking for the local out-of-school time community. Funds support students in grades pre-k through 12 in programs in schools, child

care facilities and community centers. A list of organizations receiving funding is available at www.afterschoolzone.org........TEXAS ADDED JOBS for the 11th straight month, with the addition of 2,100 nonfarm jobs in February. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent in February, down from 4.5 percent in January, and remained below the national average of 4.9 percent. Texas saw employment growth in seven of the 11 major industries. “Texas gained 170,900 jobs over the past year,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar. “We continue to build local partnerships to equip the current and future workforce with the

skills needed for the jobs being created by Texas employers,” he said…….DISABLED VETERANS will have free access to MetroRail, all local buses and park & ride service beginning April 11. The program was approved by the Metro board, which also voted “yes” to a resolution calling for the design, implementation, and evaluation of a pilot program that would allow qualified disabled veterans to use Metro’s HOV/HOT lanes at no cost if the program could be designed in a way which does not negatively impact the speed and reliability of carpool, vanpool and bus service.

The pilot program’s start and end date is yet to be determined.

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MARCH 31 | 2016 | DEFENDER

U.S.briefs EFFORTS CONTINUE IN FERGUSON, MO. to address unemployment through Ferguson 1000, a collaboration of CEOs, community leaders, technology specialists, youth trainers, construction experts, economic development experts and faith-based leaders. The organization’s projects include an employment program designed to provide low to moderateincome clients with comprehensive counseling and guidance to help them secure jobs in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The organization’s next hiring event is April 16 in St. Louis, and more than 60 companies will participate. Ferguson’s struggle with unemployment and poverty came to light following the police killing of unarmed Black teenager Michael Brown in 2014……..

THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of the Tuskegee Airmen continues. The airmen were the first Black servicemen to serve as military aviators in the U.S. armed forces, flying with distinction during World War II. The squad was activated on March 22, 1941.

In conjunction with the observance, an awardwinning documentary titled “The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second Class Hero” has been released on DVD. It features Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, an airman who spent nine months in a German P.O.W. camp. He returned home to racism and segregation in America……..

MARYLAND CONGRESSWOMAN DONNA EDWARDS is leading in the polls in her quest to become the second Black woman member of the U. S. Senate. Edwards, a Democrat, is leading her opponent 34 to 28 percent. The Democratic primary is set for April 26 and the winner will face a Republican candidate in the Nov. 8 general election. Maryland is overwhelmingly Democratic and the winner of the Democratic primary is considered to have an advantage in the general election. Another Black woman, California Attorney General Kamala Harris, is also the front-runner for the senatorial Democratic nomination in her state this year.

Carol Moseley-Braun of Chicago was the first Black woman in the U.S. Senate (1993-1999).

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 22 MARCH 31, 2016

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Social|Online Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

Contributing writers Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon

The Defender is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. (713-663-6996). The Defender is audited

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

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Waters unveils bill to end homelessness Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California, ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services, introduced legislation that would provide significant resources to end homelessness in America.

The legislation provides $13.27 billion in new funding over five years to several programs and initiatives that will help the nearly 600,000 Americans who are currently homeless – over 170,000 of whom are unsheltered, over 83,000 of whom are chronically homeless Congresswoman Maxine Waters and nearly 130,000 of whom are under the age of 18.

The new resources would provide access to both housing and supportive services to help the homeless achieve safe, decent, and affordable housing as well as long-term, positive life outcomes.

“It is all too common to hear members on both sides of the aisle express their concerns about the homeless, but it takes more than sympathy to address this issue; it takes robust resources,” Waters said.

“That is why today I introduced a bill that will finally provide the funds necessary to end homelessness in this country. For far too long, we have lacked

the resources to help all of those in need and I urge my colleagues to support this bill if they are serious about achieving this goal.

“It is simply shameful that there are nearly 600,000 homeless people living on the streets in the richest country in the world,” Waters continued.

“But this is not an insurmountable problem. We know how to end homelessness in America; what is lacking is the political will to put the necessary resources behind the solutions we know will work.”

The measure is titled “The Ending Homelessness Act of 2016.” Its approach is similar to other emergency relief and recovery bills that provided critical funding during the height of a crisis, including the Hurricane Katrina emergency relief funding bills of 2005 and the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

Waters’ legislation includes funding amounts over and above what is already annually provided for existing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs.

The bill is supported by organizations including the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Black teen wins Google doodle competition Akilah Johnson, a 10th grader from Washington, D.C., won the “Doodle 4 Google” competition for young artists. Her doodle, which honors her AfricanAmerican heritage, was recently featured on the Internet giant’s home page.

Johnson is the first African-American to win the competition and her doodle was selected from 100,000 submissions.

“My goal with my art was to not only turn heads but souls as well, not only for someone to see it and be amazed by it but also to have them understand and connect with it,” she said. “My drawing explores childhood themes and then moves into reflections on our society. Everything surrounding the word ‘Google’ depicts my characteristics.”

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

Competition aims to inspire STEM students High school and college students interested in science, technology, engineering or math will join forces and compete in the 2016 STEM Challenge on Saturday, April 9, at 8 a.m. at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Organizers recommend that teams register by Thursday, April 7.

Teams of four will compete in challenges that test their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Competitors will be divided into beginner or advanced categories based on education level, and participants will not require a background in a particular STEM field, computer programming or robotics in order to be competitive.

The goal of the competition is to encourage students to explore STEM fields, and teams can win a variety of prizes including UHClear Lake scholarships and an internship with AtLink Communications, a software development company.

While some students may feel intimidated by math and science studies, one of the goals for the competition is to help students feel more comfortable and confident, said UHCL Information Technology Program Chair Krishani Abeysekera, one of the faculty advisers of the competition.

“We want to inspire students,” she said, noting that the competition has diversified the types of challenges it presents since the first STEM Challenge in 2012, which focused on robotics.

The competition is hosted by UHCL’s Bridges to STEM Careers Program and UHCL student mentors in the program run the competition among other duties.

Computer Science Program Chair Sharon P. Hall said the program offers valuable leadership and educational opportunities that will have lasting effects.

“If the students hadn’t had this group or this experience, they wouldn’t have the same connections, the same confidence,” she said.

Registration is now open, participation is free and lunch will be provided. For more information or to register visit http://bsc.uhcl.edu, email abeysekera@uhcl.edu or call 281-283-3831.

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MARCH 31 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Gloria Bongi Ngema-Zuma

South Africa’s first lady talks about her mission FLZ: South Africa is a developing country and as a developing country obviously there is a lot for you to invest in. We are growing our economy now, so there are South Africa’s First Lady Gloria Bongi Ngemaopportunities in agriculture, mining, marine and more…

Zuma is married to Jacob Zuma, who was first elected Defender: You established the Bongi Ngemapresident in 2009. The country has been under Black Zuma Foundation in 2010. What are the top issues you rule since 1994, when the late Nelson Mandela was are concerned about? chosen as first president of the post-apartheid era.

FLZ: Our vision is to see a South Africa where diaDuring a recent visit to Houston, Mrs. Ngema-Zubetes ceases to be a killer due to lack of awareness. Our ma talked with the Defender about her role as first lady main focus is raising awareness of diabetes. However, and her foundation’s mission. diabetes does not exist in isolation. There are socioDefender: What is it economic developmental like to be first lady? issues like education, lack defendernetwork.com FLZ: You are a of nutrition or malnutrihuman being. First lady Find out about the first lady’s tion; there are other issues is a title. It’s like if I ask personal diabetes story that diabetes exists within. you what it’s like being a So we look at it from a journalist? You are yournon-communicable disease self then it is what you do. It is a position I find myself perspective. You have to address associated diseases. in by association because no one voted for me. I just We also play a part in education, trying to better landed there. But what is does is draw attention to you. the lives of our young ones that go to school or to make They want you to be what they want you to be instead education accessible to those who are less fortunate. So of what you want to be – that’s the downside. However, we have programs that address the empowerment and it depends on how you want to use that attention. What development of people from rural areas with special you want to do is draw their attention to something that focus on vulnerable communities: women, children and they can talk about for “good.” the aged, the three pillars that govern our strategy.

Defender: What opportunities are available for For more information visit www.bnzfoundation.org.za.

African-Americans in South Africa?

By VON JILES Defender

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

entertainment

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Justin Hires

stars in TV version of ‘Rush Hour’ have a topic you won’t touch in a stand-up routine?

JH: Richard Pryor is the ustin Hires is an actor, comedian, godfather of comedy. Eddie Murphy storyteller, dancer, video jockey and is the king. Martin Lawrence is my writer who plays Detective Carter in favorite. Chris Rock is the best. Dave the new CBS action-comedy series Chappelle is a genius. Bernie Mac “Rush Hour,” which airs Thursdays is the funniest. I’m a comedy nerd. at 9 p.m. It is based on the buddy films coAnd… rape is typically never funny. starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan.

KW: What is your favorite dish Hires, a versatile entertainer, has been to cook? an ensemble cast member on the sketch JH: Fried chicken and roasted comedy series “Key & Peele,” and also potatoes. Yep, the myth is true – I do, appeared in the box-office hit “21 Jump indeed, love fried chicken.

Street” alongside Jonah Hill and Channing KW: What is the most important Tatum. life lesson you’ve learned so far?

Hires was born in St. Petersburg, Fla. JH: Fear will keep you from and even as a young child, he exhibited accomplishing your dreams. a knack for making others laugh. While The new CBS show “Rush Hour” stars Justin Hires as Detective Carter and John Foo as Detective Lee. KW: What’s the biggest attending Clark Atlanta University, Hires difference between who you are at was cast in two feature films, “Stomp the franchise was the chemistry between Chris Tucker and home as opposed to the person we see Yard” and “The Gospel.” He was subsequently hired by Jackie Chan. How did you and John Foo go about on the red carpet?

MTV as a VJ on their college network, mtvU. trying to regenerate that magic?

JH: I’m really quiet at home. I don’t speak that He moved to Hollywood after receiving his Bachelor of JH: Fortunately, I think [our] chemistry is much. However, when I’m in public, I make sure to Arts degree in Mass Media-Radio, TV, and Film. In L.A., he incredible. Foo is a genuine introvert and I’m a genuine speak to everyone. started doing stand-up in comedy clubs, and began landing a extrovert. We’re the perfect ying and yang, on and off KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you variety of television and film roles, while accumulating over camera. see?

13 million views of his personal sketches online. Here, the KW: Did you get any advice from Chris Tucker?

JH: Someone trying to achieve greatness. rising young star talks about “Rush Hour.”

JH: I’ve been doing stand-up for a strong eight years KW: With so many classic films being redone, is KW: Congratulations on landing the lead in “Rush and I’ve been the class clown my entire life, all of which there a remake you’d like to star in?

Hour.” Were you a fan of the film franchise? prepared me for a role of this magnitude. Also, I watched JH: One of the reasons I started acting was to reJH: Absolutely. I grew up watching and studying all those buddy cop movies again – “48 Hours,” “Lethal make “The Karate Kid,” but Jaden Smith beat me to it. those films. I’ve always been a huge fan of martial arts and Weapon,” “Bad Boys,” etcetera. I didn’t get any advice KW: What advice do you have for anyone who comedy, so “Rush Hour” was the perfect combination for from Tucker, but I assume his advice would’ve been, wants to follow in your footsteps? me.

“Have fun and be funny.”

JH: Do your homework, study the craft, believe in KW: I think the key to the success of the film KW: Who is your favorite comedian, and do you yourself, and out-work everyone.

J

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

what’sup SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS is opening a social justice charter school in Harlem. Combs, who was born in Harlem, is providing office space to launch the school. Capital Prep Harlem will open with 100 sixth and seventh graders, and will continue to expand until it reaches 700 students in grades 6-12. “I want to impact the lives of young people in my community and build future leaders,” Combs said. He is cofounding the school with education activist Steve Perry, who established two charter schools in Connecticut……..TYLER PERRY, who has a production studio in Atlanta, called on Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal to veto a religious liberty

bill that critics said would have restricted the rights of the state’s LBGT community. Deal ended up vetoing the legislation after mounting criticism from corporations and gay rights groups, and threats of boycotts from Hollywood studios. “At Tyler Perry Studios, we believe in inclusion and equality for all people. We do not tolerate bigotry, division and discrimination,” a spokesperson for Perry said…….. ALICIA KEYS and MILEY CYRUS will become judges on NBC’s “The Voice” next September, joining regulars BLAKE SHELTON and ADAM LEVINE. NBC tends to rotate other judges depending upon their schedule, so current judge

PHARRELL WILLIAMS will be in the bullpen next season……..TAMEKA “TINY” HARRIS, best known as a member of the R&B group XSCAPE, and her husband, rapper CLIFFORD “T.I.” HARRIS, welcomed a new baby girl on March 26. T.I. was bothered by the news of his wife’s delivery hitting the Internet before they had a chance to make a formal statement……..

Houston’s REGGAE HUT, a restaurant specializing in Caribbean cuisine, will celebrate 20 years of business on Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 5404 Almeda. There will be live music, food, games and vendors. For more information visit www.reggaehutcafe.com.

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MARCH 31 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

FINAL FOUR

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the Carolina (32-6) fac 7:49 p.m. The cham All games will be t Various activi Four. They include

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WHAT TO DO IN HOUSTON

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The NCAA Fi day, April 3 at noo under are invited to fans dribbling their The course begins

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erfold

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Activities for everyone

64 NCAA tournament games the Final Four is as March Madness comes to Houston’s NRG dium.

Oklahoma (29-7) meets Villanova (33-5) in opener on Saturday, April 2, at 5:09 p.m. North ces rival Syracuse (23-13) in the nightcap at mpionship game is Monday, April 4, at 8 p.m. televised on TBS. ities will be held in conjunction with the Final e:

ess Music Festival

ic’s biggest stars will perform at the 2016 dness Music Festival. The free, three-day event 1-3 at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. the public on a first-come basis. On Friday, April 10 p.m., the AT&T Block Party features Fall Out e Disco and Lukas Graham. On Saturday, April p.m., the Coca-Cola Music Mix features Kendy One Pilots, Jason Derulo and Conrad Sewell.

3, from 3-10 p.m., the Capital One JamFest , Pitbull, Flo Rida and Aloe Blacc.

ate

Infiniti, the Tip-Off Tailgate is April 1, 2 and 4 It is free and open to the public April 1. Entry inal Four ticket on April 2 and 4. The three-day, ve event for fans offers skills and shooting chalfrom headline acts, stage programming, team grub, beer gardens and partner hances to win prizes and try new

NRG Stadium will be the site of the NCAA Men’s Final Four championship.

iler

ilies are invited to participate nal Four 4 Miler in downtown day, April 2, at 8:30 a.m. It starts e at City Hall, 900 Smith Street. he Lone Star Veterans Associaork of veterans in the state of nt and advocate for the post 9/11 ice members.

s

e are invited to jump-start their with free Powerade NCAA Texas grub will be served at the Tip -Off Tailgate at NR a.m. on April 2. Clinics are at G Stadium. l, 3703 Sampson; Dobie High ackhawk; and at Strake Jesuit High School, 8900 presented by Capital One. Participants will receive at Tprogramming includes conditioning and life Shirt, Wilson basketball and entry into Final Four Fan Fest A coaches and student-athletes. Each participant for a Dribble participant and accompanying adult.

T-shirt and other promotional items. Kids will d healthy, active lifestyle tips. The clinics are Read to the Final Four girls, grades 3-8. Clinics also feature a session Nearly 10,000 HISD elementary school students covery ss Music Festival at Dis ardians with information on recruiting, academ- will fill NRG Stadium on Friday, April 8 for the district’s form at the March Madne Kendrick Lamar will per ssues.

Green. announcement of the winner of the NCAA Team Works Read to the Final Four Literacy Program at Reese’s Final ribble school at 11:40 a.m., which will receive a $5,000 cash prize, Final Four Friday event. The day’s activities are free and open to the inal Four Dribble Fueled by Powerade is SunFour trophy and campus celebration. The final four elementary public, including parking in the stadium’s Blue Lot beginning at on in downtown Houston. Youth ages 18 and schools in the competition are Browning, Carrillo, Dogan and 9 a.m. The program begins at 11 a.m. Waltrip High School’s band o participate in free event, joining thousands of Janowski. will play as students arrive, and Atherton Elementary School’s r way through the heart of downtown Houston. drum line will perform before the announcement of the winning For more information visit www.ncaa.com/final-four. at City Hall and ends at Final Four Fan Fest

he Houston area for over 80 years

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

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Reminder: Last-minute filing tips for taxpayers FAMILY FEATURES

Though it’s common knowledge that tax day is April 15 (April 18 for filing 2015 taxes in 2016), many people wait until the last minute to file their income taxes.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, 20-25 percent of Americans wait until the two weeks prior to the deadline to prepare their tax returns. To avoid scrambling as tax season draws to a close, here are some tips to help you prepare and file your taxes.

1. Get organized. One of the biggest tax time hassles for many is getting the necessary documents together. Make sure you have the information you will need, including W-2s, 1099, mortgage interest statements, student loan statements and any receipts related to moving, medical bills or work expenses before you sit down to file your return.

2. Itemize your deductions. While it’s easier to just take the standard deduction, you may be able to save more by itemizing – and it’s worth the added work if your qualified expenses add up to more

than the 2015 standard deduction for an individual ($6,300) or married couple filing jointly ($12,600).

Many deductions are well-known, including those for children, student loan or mortgage interest and charitable donations. However, there are other deductions available, such as job-related expenses, like work clothing and equipment, professional dues or business car expenses.

3. Get help if you need it. If you feel uncomfortable doing your taxes on your own, there are products and services available to help you file. You can speak with a tax professional to have them prepare your taxes or help you through the process, or use a computer program.

4. File faster online.

Because the IRS processes electronic returns faster than mailed-in paper ones, there are several benefits that come with filing online, especially at the last minute when time is precious. Since online returns are processed faster, that means you can expect a faster refund – the wait time is even less if you elect to have your refund deposited directly into your account.

5. Consider requesting an extension. If you don’t think you’ll be able to finish your return on time, file for an extension using Form 4868 by April 18. Extensions are generally approved automatically and grant you a six-month extension to file. An extension to file, however, is not an extension to pay owed taxes.

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MARCH 31 | 2016 | DEFENDER

opinion Celebrating six years of the Affordable Care Act

O

By MARC MORIAL National Urban League

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Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Paresh Nath, The Khaleej Times, UAE

n March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Health Care Act into law in the East Room of the White House. Six years later, 20 million people who could not afford health insurance or were deprived of life-saving coverage because of a pre-existing condition, now have health insurance coverage.

Today, our nation is actively narrowing the gap on adverse racial health care disparities. Today, under the law simultaneously loved and reviled as “Obamacare,” most insurance plans fully cover preventative health care services; young adults, who might have otherwise been uninsured, get to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until age 26; and women are no longer forced to pay more for health insurance because of their gender.

And that is why this week, I will add my voice to the legion of American voices congratulating the current administration on its signature health care law as well as those calling for the necessary reforms to fix the law’s shortcomings and ensure that this generation and future generations of Americans experience health care as a right, not an exclusive and elusive privilege.

From sea to shining sea, health insurance coverage gains have been shared broadly among American communities. African-Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for cancer and Latino communities also suffer from disproportionate rates of illness, like cervical cancer, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Since the law’s hard-fought inception, the number of uninsured people among AfricanAmericans – and whites – has dropped by over 50 percent. The Hispanic rate of the uninsured has decreased by a quarter, with almost four million Hispanic adults gaining coverage under the law.

Over two million young adults, who were particularly likely to be uninsured after losing coverage under their parent’s health insurance, are now guaranteed insurance under their parent’s health plans until they are 26 years old.

Despite all of these gains, Republicans have continued to label the Affordable Care Act a disaster. How can 20 more million Americans with access to life-saving health care ever be described as a disaster?

Yet, the Republicans have been engaged in a five-year long effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The GOP has busied itself taking over 50 votes to roll back the law and put the health of millions of Americans at risk, but has never leveled with the

American people about a GOP alternative to the Affordable Care Act. Rather than take a position of slash and burn, we need to save what works and better what doesn’t.

The Affordable Care Act is not the first large-

scale government program to face its share of challenges or wide-spread criticism. Obamacare shares company with the Social Security Act, which was described by a critic as a “fraud on the working man,” and Medicare, which was widely seen as a threat to American freedom.

Despite the heated rhetoric, both programs are still here serving the needs of Americans.

The Affordable Care Act is in its sixth year of infancy, and while the program is nowhere near perfect, it is saving lives and putting an end to insurance practices that unfairly deny Americans insurance coverage. Obamacare has a long, bumpy road of reforms to travel, but in year six, it has also come a long way in providing better health choices for the American people.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

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Beware of detox, cleansing diets for weight loss any fuel in the form of food into it,” said Gee. “You’re putting your body under great stress when you eliminate foods as fuel.”

Gee said to never start any type of extreme diet without consulting with your primary care physician, who is the gatekeeper of your overall health.

This is especially true for those with a compromised immune system, older adults, children and teens.

According to Gee, the best diet is the diet that works for you, and she believes that all foods can fit into a diet – it’s a matter of portion control.

“Try to be moderate in all of the foods that you eat,” she said. “Use good common sense, but don’t take the fun out of food.”

If you’re trying to lose weight, Gee said that a reasonable goal to aim for is half a pound or a pound a week, and the best way to do this is to cut back on your portions.

Reasonable portion sizes are usually a half cup to one cup of most foods, and for an animal protein, about three ounces cooked. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber with 6 to 8 cups of water are keys to a successful diet. Don’t forget

regular physical activity like walking.

“Most extreme diets don’t work because you can only follow

them for a couple of weeks,” said Gee. “You need to develop your own plan that will work for you.”

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If you’re looking for a way to get rid of the toxins in your body through detox or cleansing diets, keep in mind that your body already has an allnatural way to do this, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine.

“There are a lot of detox and cleansing diets that claim to cleanse your body of toxins and reset your metabolism, but toxins in your body already are filtered through your gastrointestinal system, kidneys and liver every minute of every day,” said Molly Gee, a registered dietitian with Baylor.

“Our body already has a built-in system to take what it needs from food – the nutrients, the energy – and then eliminate the products that are not needed.”

Gee cautions against diets that promise quick weight loss by eliminating certain types of foods and only allowing for other types of foods, such as raw fruits or vegetables in a juice form. Many of these diets then add supplements, herbs, vitamins and minerals to make up for the missing nutrients from foods.

“When the diet calls for you to include supplements while eliminating other foods, that should be your first clue that you are missing something,” said Gee. “Your diet needs to provide the adequate nutrients for your body to operate, like any piece of efficient machinery.”

Gee also cautions against diets that withhold a significant amount of calories from your body.

“Can you run your car on an empty gas tank? Think about what you’re doing to your body when you’re not putting

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Rodeo experiences

MARCH 31 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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another successful year

he 2016 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo ended on a high note, entertaining more than 2.46 million visitors.

“Thanks to more than 32,000 dedicated volunteers and 100-plus staff members, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to present a first-class experience for its more than 2 million visitors,” said Jack Lyons, Livestock Show and Rodeo chairman of the board.

“Show spectators receive an up-close view of agriculture and Western heritage at this one-of-akind event.”

Facts and figures tell the story: • The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest entertained 247,491 people.

• Paid Rodeo/concert attendance reached 1,345,983 fans.

• The 2016 RodeoHouston Super Series invited the world’s top rodeo athletes to compete in seven events. Athletes competed for a share of $1.74 million in prize money. Each event champion walked away from NRG Stadium with $50,000, plus his or her winnings from the preliminary rounds.

• This year’s livestock competitions and horse shows boasted 30,911 entries.

• Six Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion junior market and school art auction lots set or matched world or show records.

• The Junior Commercial Steer Sale totaled $674,815 (live auction of choice steers).

• The Champion Wine Auction brought in $1,420,351.

• Calf scramble and judging contest winners received 414 certificates, each worth $2,000, for a total of $828,000. Calf scramble exhibitors from 2015 who returned with their steer and heifer projects to compete at the 2016 Houston Livestock Show received more than $100,000 total in premiums and awards.

• In the areas of scholarship and education, the show committed more than $25.8 million in 2016, including $12,981,000 in scholarships to be awarded this summer, $7,463,250 for junior market show and School Art Auction exhibitors and calf scramble participants, $4,888,610 in educational program grants and $525,400 in graduate assistantships.

• Visitors consumed 146,000 pounds of potatoes, 115,000 barbecue sandwiches, 69,000 turkey legs, 53,000 funnel cakes, 45,000 corn dogs, 44,000 sausages on-a-stick and 22,000 fried Oreos.

• Merchandise sales reached nearly $2 million.

• More than 100,000 show-branded items were purchased, including 12,000 lapel pins, 10,000 caps, 10,000 reusable shopping bags and 30,000 T-shirts.

• There were 240,808 public posts on the Internet regarding the Show.

• Show messaging reached more than 192 million people worldwide.

Veteran calf roper Fred Whitfield of Cypress competed at the rodeo.

PHOTO CREDIT: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Kareem Mills (center) of the Stafford Future Farmers of America (FFA) won in the calf scramble.

Cory Solomon of Prairie View was another calf roping contestant.

A young rodeo visitor enjoyed a pedal tractor ride.

Kamryn Hampton (second from right) of the Pearland FFA was also a calf scramble winner.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

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sports

Beasley gives Rockets needed lift off bench

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By MAX EDISON Defender

he Rockets have been the most disappointing team in the NBA this year.

After advancing to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Rockets, with two weeks remaining in the regular season, are struggling just to make the playoffs.

On the positive side, the recent acquisition of power forward Michael Beasley has given the team a much needed scoring punch off the bench.

Beasley was the No. 2 player selected in the 2008 draft by the Miami Heat. As a 6-foot-10 player who can handle the ball like a guard and score from anyplace on the court, he had superstardom written all over him.

A series of personal issues saw Beasley bounce between three teams in eight seasons – Miami, Minnesota and Phoenix – and the stardom that once seemed a guarantee was in peril.

Desperate for an additional offensive threat besides superstar James Harden, the Rockets rolled Beasley has emerged as a playmaker coming off the Rockets’ bench. the dice on Beasley, who had played this season with the Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

In China, Beasley was named the league’s Most Valuable Player among foreigners. For the season, he averaged 31.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals. Immediately the Rockets realized they had rolled a 7 with Beasley.

In a month of play – he was signed March 4 – Michael has been exactly what the Rockets needed. Anchoring the team’s offense off the bench, he has averaged 14.5 points per game and 22 minutes of playing time. He erupted for 30- and 21-point performances during his short stint on the team.

Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff likes what he’s seen in Beasley’s play.

“To find a guy like that at this point in the season who has contributed as much as he has is rare,” Bickerstaff said. “His talent is huge. He can game and that’s easy for me. I bring energy and I do so many different things. The scoring for him is can score from just about anywhere. Now for me easy and natural for him. For a guy who can come the game is more mental. I’m not as athletic as I off the bench and give you a double-double is rare used to be.” and we’re glad to have him.”

Beasley said teammates Harden, Jason Terry Beasley feels he’s adjusting well to his role and Pat Beverley “all put me in positions where with his new team.

I can be effective and not have to do too much “I’m trying to do what the team needs and thinking, just play basketball.” asks, trying to be that Beasley’s size and glue piece all over the ability give Bickerstaff floor, not just on ofthe additional option of defendernetwork.com fense,” Beasley said. playing small ball.

Final Four championship comes to “[Bickerstaff] just “In a small ball Houston wants me to play my lineup I end up playing

the [center],” Beasley said. “That puts my emphasis more on rebounding. That makes us fast, gives us the ability to really run the floor and kind of unguardable from the 4 and 5 spots. It’s perfect for how I like to play.”

An older, more mature Beasley is grateful to be playing in the NBA again. He is especially grateful to be playing for a group with playoff aspirations.

“I thank God,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the Man upstairs I wouldn’t be here. He showed me that, a couple of times. I thank Him that I’m able to still play. I’m playing at a high level and I’m glad to be playing on a team that is playing for something.”

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MARCH 31 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs

Westside’s McAfee excels as baseball throwback

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Quincy McAfee is a throwback to “old school” baseball.

The Westside High School shortstop/pitcher cites former major leaguers Manny Ramirez and Ozzie Smith as his alltime favorite professional players. “Manny could just flat-out hit,” McAfee said. “I loved the way they could only describe him as ‘Manny being Manny.’

“My favorite shortstop is definitely Ozzie. He wasn’t a big guy and he had to prove his worth,” McAfee said. “I think it’s pretty cool to be called the wizard.”

Like many baseball players, McAfee has his superstitions. He avoids stepping on the lines when he enters and exits the playing field.

When the senior standout transferred from Stratford High School to Westside as a sophomore, he just wanted a chance to compete for a starting position after suffering a knee injury playing football.

Westside head baseball coach Mike Barrow remembers telling McAfee that he might not have the range to continue playing shortstop on the college level.

“He didn’t have the range at the time. But I think he took that as a challenge. Now he makes unbelievable plays in the six-hole, charging slow rollers and going up the middle,”

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defendernetwork.com Westside coach lists top baseball schools

Barrow said. “If he can get his glove on the ball you’re out. He makes all the plays.”

When McAfee concludes his prep career at Westside, he’ll take his considerable talents on to Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., on a baseball scholarship. “They want me to come in and compete for a position in the infield,” he said.

McAfee also doubles as Westside’s ace on the bump.

“As a pitcher he’s a bulldog,” Barrow said. “When the lights come on and he’s on the mound it’s a whole different story with that kid. He’s competitive and going to come right after you. There’s no doubting that he wants to beat you.

“We have full confidence in him when he’s pitching. Our team plays at a different level when Quincy is on the mound.

It’s unbelievable.”

Westside was ranked No. 2 in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 6A state preseason poll.

The Wolves improved to 14-3 with a 12-0 victory over Westbury as McAfee manned shortstop and contributed a hit and a run scored.

In what Barrow described as a possible playoff preview two days later, Westside (15-3) defeated area-ranked Pearland 5-1 in a non-district affair. McAfee changed speeds masterfully while tossing a complete-game two-hitter.

Barrow said McAfee loves the competition and leads by example.

“He’s not always the most vocal guy on the team but he does it with his actions,” said Barrow, now in his fourth year as Westside’s head coach. “Whether it’s at practice or on game day, he sets the tone for us.”

McAfee lists Westside’s games against district rivals Lamar and Bellaire as providing some of his fondest high school memories. “They always seem to be close games, 2-1 or 3-2,” he said. “I talked to Lamar pitcher John Doxakis over the summer. He’s going to Texas A&M and I’m parting ways to the West Coast,” McAfee said.

“I’ll miss not playing in those games. The competition against him and the others has been an honor.”

About Quincy McAfee Birth date – Sept. 16, 1997 Birth sign – Virgo Favorite subject – Math Possible career – Sports or business management How he relaxes – Ties hammock between two trees World problem he’d solve – Hunger

RG3 heads to Cleveland Free agent quarterback Robert Griffin III agreed to a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.

The deal is reportedly worth $15 million, with just under $7 million guaranteed. After four years in Washington, Griffin is happy to move. “I’m excited about the opportunity to join the Dawg Pound and help build something here in Cleveland,” Griffin said. He will be paired with Browns first year head coach Hue Jackson, who has an outstanding reputation for developing young quarterbacks.

“He’s got a proven track record working with quarterbacks, working with teams and molding the offense to what the team has,” Griffin said. “I look forward to that and just growing with him.”

UH facility opens The University of Houston is flexing its muscle and showing its commitment to basketball with the opening of the Guy V. Lewis Development Center. The $25 million, three-level, 52,923square foot facility is named for the late Hall of Fame coach. It features a practice court for the men’s and women’s program, sports performance and sports medicine areas, team areas including locker rooms and academic/film rooms and office space for basketball coaching/support staffs. “For players to get better, it has to be from March to October,” men’s coach Kelvin Sampson said. “We will have a place where our players can practice, work out, shoot, develop chemistry and improve their work ethics. They can do this 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with this facility.”

Roberson shines at meet Wheatley High School standout senior sprinter Takyera Roberson served notice that she’s injuryfree at the 34th annual Victor Lopez Classic Outdoor Track Meet held recently at Rice University.

After suffering an injury at the HISD Relays and only competing in one preliminary race at the Texas Southern Relays, the University of Alabama track signee won over a star-studded field in the 100-meter dash final with a time of 11.83 seconds.

Alvin’s Kynnedy Flannel (11.87) was runner-up and Samiyah Samuels of Cypress Springs (12.03) placed third. Then Roberson came back and won the 200-meter dash final in a time of 23.95 seconds. Flannel (24.6) took the silver medal and Essance Sample of Cypress Springs (24.73) took home the bronze medal. In other events, Dawson’s Paige Kimble (14.29) and Lamar’s Milan Young (14.30) finished 1-2 in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles. Birexus Hawkins of Fort Bend Hightower won the girls’ 300-meter hurdles with a clocking of 41.86 seconds. Young (42.29) was the silver medalist and Kimble (42.44) took the bronze. Aldine Davis won the girls 4X100 meter relay with a time of 47.04 seconds. Hightower won the 4X200 (1:37.81) and mile relay (3:40.82). In the boys’ division, winners were: Jace Comick, Atascocita, 100 meters; Shamon Ehiemua, FB Marshall, 200 meters; John Isom, FB Marshall, 400 meters; FB Marshall, 4X100 relay; Aldine Davis, 4X200 relay and FB Marshall, 4X400 relay.

Austin falls in playoffs

The Houston Austin girls won an outright district title (20-5A) in girls’ soccer and made its sixth consecutive playoff appearance before losing 3-2 to Stratford.

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DEFENDER | MARCH 31 | 2016

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

SCPR RIBBON-CUTTING CELEBRATION……..S. Charles Public foundation to become an Olympic gold medalist, NBA champion and Hall of Relations (SCPR) recently held an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the Houston Famer. Four students were chosen to participate in basketball drills with Drexler.

Business Development office inside Palm Center to unveil its new location. The Conn’s HomePlus President and CEO, Norm Miller, also surprised seventh event celebrated SCPR’s 14 years of business. Aligning with the company’s motto, grader, Mahogany Broussard, with an LG HD TV to take home to her family.

“Working to get you noticed,” the new location ceremony offered guests a chance Jackson Middle School staff, teachers, cheerleaders, athletes and parents were in to receive mini makeovers by Lamik Beauty. Sponsors were Lamik, Branwar attendance……..STRONGMAN AWARDS BREAKFAST……..The Strongman Wines and BarDivaz. Those in attendance included CEO Ministries Inc. hosted their Strongman Awards Breakfast Bridgett Joe, Teeba Rose, Princess Jackson, Kecia at Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Independence Defender TOP EVENTS Johnson, Mya Carroll, Kim Roxie, Vicky Heileman Heights. The organization handpicked men who are active in More photos on defendernetwork.com Pink, Jeff Boney, Krishunda Goodman, Corey Haynes, their communities and display strongman character inside the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Ashley Michelle and Brian McKinney. ……..CYLDE church and within their families. The men were celebrated by with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

DREXLER TV GIVEAWAY……..Conn’s, LG Electronics their families and fellow church members via a “Strongman USA, the University of Houston and NBA legend Clyde Define” speech and musical selection. Eroll and Roslin Sweat gave the invocation. Honorees included James Boiling, James Dixon, Earl Payne, Drexler brought excitement to Jackson Middle School to donate LG HD TVs. More than 800 students packed the gym to hear Drexler talk about how dedication George Nelson, Max Bozeman Sr., Pastor Robert Staggers, Charles Smith and teamwork played a role in his success and how he used those lessons as a and Pastor Robert Murphy.

LaToshia Norwood, Lindsey Greenfield Whitman

Clyde Drexler and Jackson Middle school athlete.

Darren O’Neal, Eric Lamb, James Edmond

Vicky Heileman Pink, Bridgett Joe, Kim Roxie

Clyde Drexler greets students at Jackson Middle school.

Chancellor Dickson, Chancellor Dickson II

Kirsten Stewart, Charles Joe III Photo credits: Kamren J

Norm Miller, Mahogany Broussard and a school supporter.

Pastor Nathan Jenkins, Pastor Rory Murphy

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