Houston Defender: April 06, 2017

SPORTS

HOUSTON ASTROS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT UPCOMING SEASON P10

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Volume 86 | Number 23

APRIL 6, 2017 |FREE

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NEWSTALK ALGENITA SCOTT DAVIS working for a new downtown

P2 NATIONAL DONALD TRUMP budget is bad for Black America

P4 H.S. ZONE BRYCE DEBBS shining with George Ranch baseball

P11 TOP EVENTS

Jolanda Jones, Temeka Jeffrey and Phylicia Rashad at the actress’s visit to Yates High School.

P12

SUMMER

activities for kids H PAGE 6

John Gray spreading the gospel Lakewood Church associate pastor is joining the OWN lineup, with “The Book of John Gray.”

The new show features the life of Gray, who is known for his larger than life sense of humor and his special ability to connect with peoples’ hearts.

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85 years defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80

Robert Smith billionaire tips

He’s one of the richest men in the country, but the billionaire has lived his life mostly under the radar, granting limited interviews about how he’s built a private equity empire and net worth of $2.5 billion. He shares his keys for success.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 6 | 2017

newstalk Input sought for downtown plan

such as ‘What’s missing downtown?’ and ‘What’s your favorite place he Houston downtown?’ but we Downtown also want to understand Managewhere people are currentment ly spending their time, District how they get around (HDMD) has joined and even areas that they with partner organizaavoid,” Williams said. tions to launch Plan The first public Valerie Williams Downtown, a 20-year Algenita Scott Davis workshop will be held vision proposal that on Wednesday, April 12, outlines future city developments. This is the first comprehensive where interested members of the public will learn about the plan plan for the area since 2004. and challenges and opportunities facing the inner city today, and This is the first comprehensive Downtown Houston plan provide input on the area’s future. since 2004, when Downtown rolled out a plan that resulted in “Participants will be able to help prioritize topics, confirm a producing Discovery Green, Avenida Houston and the Downvision for downtown’s future, and develop concepts and recomtown Living Initiative (residential development). mendations,” said Algenita Scott “Downtown’s transformaDavis, HDMD’s government and tion over the past two decades has community affairs officer. been astounding, thanks to a com“There will be also be What: Engagement Workshops bination of major civic improvea short presentation and then When: Wednesday, April 12 ments, infrastructure projects, approximately eight activTime: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. private investments and individual ity stations that will allow the actions led by good public policommunity to engage with our and 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. cies,” said Valerie Williams, vice HDMD’s staff, leadership team Where: The Rice, Crystal Ballroom, president of the HDMD board. and consultants and give feed909 Texas Ave. “But, our downtown didn’t back,” Davis said. get to where it is today by happenThe five main categories stance – it’s because of a united that will be covered at the workshop are “build, connect, move, vision and planning that has guided development. The new plan work and live” in the area. is critical as we surge ahead into the future and continue to lead “The main questions for each category that have floated as a global city.” to the top of the list are to find out the competitive advantages Community engagement is a big part of the plan, Williams of downtown, and how do we build on those in the future?” added.

Williams said.

“Not only do we want to ask the community questions To learn more about the Plan, visit plandowntownhou.com

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

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Public workshops

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Wealth-based jail detention under fire Defender News Services

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis are trying to stop Harris County’s practice of jailing people charged with misdemeanors solely because they are unable to pay bail.

The LDF/Ellis brief – filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas – claims that Harris County’s bail structure “constitutes a blatant and unlawful penalty for poverty” that is not only unconstitutional, but has a disproportionately harmful effect on Black, poor and disadvantaged residents.

“Justice cannot depend on how much Commissioner Rodney Ellis money you have in the bank,” said Ellis, who ironically is filing the brief against the very court he serves on. “But poor people all across Houston – Texans who are supposed to be presumed innocent – far too often get second-class justice just because they can’t afford to pay bail. Harris County’s abusive system privileges the privileged and punishes the poor. This discriminatory bail system is an affront to justice and must end now.”

The brief was filed in support of O’Donnell v. Harris County, a lawsuit that seeks an immediate end to the practice of wealth-based detention of people charged with misdemeanors.

“The constitution applies equally to the rich and the poor,” said Christina Swarns, director of litigation for LDF. “So no one should lose their freedom, their job, and/or their home just because they don’t have the money to pay bail for a minor offense.”

localbriefs CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE IS CALLING for more to be done after a mass shooting at an apartment complex in northeast Harris County. Four people were shot and two people were killed at the Haverstock Hills Apartment complex recently. Lee announced she is working with apartment management and law enforcement to install a new gate at the complex, new lighting and security cameras. Lee is also planning to hold a Town Hall meeting at the complex in a few weeks…..STATE SEN. BORIS MILES JOINED MORE THAN 100 African-American senators and contractors from Houston and Dallas to speak at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Commission meeting recently. They expressed frustration with the lack of minority firms selected for highway and road projects, specifically the Texas 288 Tollway Expansion.“I have worked to increase the number of minority contractors selected for TxDOT projects since I began serving in the Legislature 10 years ago,” said Miles. “At last month’s meeting, I explained how I had worked closely with many executive directors and commission chairs to improve TxDOT’s performance.” Last month, initial reports showed the Texas 288 Tollway Expansion Project’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program only received 4 percent of the initial work, well below the 12 percent goal…..MAYOR SYLVESTER

TURNER HAS SELECTED Marvalette Hunter to be his new chief of staff. Hunter has more than 20 years of experience in public policy, project management, real estate development and finance. She is an architect and city planner with extensive knowledge of federal, state and local programs regarding housing, economic development, transportation and public infrastructure…..HISD HAS TEAMED UP WITH THE FEDERAL RESERVE to launch a financial literacy book club for middle school students, as part of Houston Money Week, a community-wide financial education initiative to empower families and individuals to be successful in making financial choices.

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APRIL 6 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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Thank you.

To all who have stood by us as we have worked to make things right at Wells Fargo, we thank you. We know you have many choices when it comes to banking, which is why we feel it’s our privilege to serve you.

I became CEO of Wells Fargo six months ago, following our September 2016 retail sales practices settlement. My first act was to apologize to our team, our customers, and the public for our company’s mistakes. At that time, I made a commitment to build a better bank, and to earn back your trust.

While there is still work to do, there has been progress that I want to share with you: • We’ve taken many steps to make things right for our customers. So far, we’ve refunded approximately $3.2 million to approximately 130,000 retail and small business accounts. We’ve also agreed to a preliminary $110 million class action settlement that will go toward further customer refunds. And to any customer whose credit might have been affected by unauthorized account openings, we commit to you that we will make things right.

• We’ve made changes to ensure we always put our customers’ needs first. We eliminated product sales goals and changed how we pay our retail bankers. We’ve also invested in our people, increasing the pay for our entry-level team members across the country.

• And we’ve demanded greater accountability from ourselves. We’ve changed leadership at our Community Bank and terminated executives linked to inappropriate sales practices. Our Board cancelled all 2016 cash bonuses for eight senior leaders—including myself—who were on the company’s Operating Committee prior to November 1, 2016. And we changed our Board structure to separate the roles of Chairman and CEO. Building a better bank is about fixing what went wrong and committing to find new and better ways to serve our customers. Even as I write this, we continue to introduce new ways to deliver services, develop our people, and manage risks.

All that said, I want to assure you that regaining your trust remains our top priority. In the near term, our Board of Directors will issue the results of their independent investigation. As we process those findings we will continue to update you on our efforts.

Again, thank you for standing by Wells Fargo as we build a better bank.

Sincerely,

Timothy J. Sloan Chief Executive Officer and President Wells Fargo & Company For updates on our rebuilding efforts, I invite you to visit www.wellsfargo.com/commitment

© 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

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• We’ve strengthened our ethics and risk management. This includes creating a new Office of Ethics, Oversight, and Integrity; adding protections so anyone can feel safe reporting their concerns to our Ethics Line; and expanding training for our managers and bankers, so they can better respond.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 6 | 2017

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national

U.S.briefs

President Donald Trump

Blacks have a lot to lose with Trump’s budget

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By LAUREN VICTORIA BURKE NNPA

resident Donald Trump’s proposed budget, titled “America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again,” targets a number of programs for severe cuts or outright elimination – programs that often help poor, working-class and Black families.

The budget plans to cut almost $4 billion in Pell Grants.

More than half of African-American college students receive Pell Grant awards each year.

Trump’s budget also eliminates funding that helps subsidize Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers roughly 218 million meals to the poor and elderly each year. Minorities account for nearly 30 percent of seniors that receive homedelivered meals.

Trump’s budget includes $1.5 billion to build a wall along the southern border of the United States. Despite Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, there’s no specific allocation to solve the lead water crisis in Flint, Mich., a $150 million fix, based on some estimates.

“We can’t spend money on programs just because they sound good,” said Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s budget director.

Mulvaney suggested that Meals on Wheels and programs that offer free meals to students at school were ineffective.

Trump’s budget purges the Legal Services Corporation, which assists poor Americans with legal services, at a cost of $502 million per year. Two-thirds of Legal Services Corporation’s clients are African-American.

Trump’s budget also abandons Community Development Block Grants and slashes the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s budget by $6.2 billion.

Trump’s budget eliminates the U.S. Interagency Coun-

cil on Homelessness, which costs $3.6 million a year, and helps more than 500,000 homeless people in the U.S. and over 42 million living in poverty in America overall.

Trump’s budget calls for $9.2 billion in cuts at the Department of Education. Trump plans to shift at least $1.4 billion to bolster charter schools and private school vouchers. That shift, much like the $54 billion for defense, would benefit for-profit and non-profit groups seeking lucrative contracts in those areas from the federal government.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) is critical of the budget.

“Although President Trump promised a ‘New Deal for Black America,’ his budget slashes the federal workforce and cripples domestic programs such as federal student services TRIO programs, LIHEAP, grants for after school programs, Community Development Block Grants, and Community Services Block Grants,” wrote Richmond in response to Trump’s plan.

“All of this hurts the African-American community. In addition, despite his promise to support and strengthen HBCUs, President Trump proposes to give these schools the same amount of funding they received last year.

“This budget proposal is not a new deal for African Americans. It’s a raw deal that robs the poor and the middle-class to pay the richest of the rich,” Richmond said.

The irony of Trump’s severe budget cuts against the backdrop of the costs to protect the new first family as they vacation and conduct business for Trump’s empire hasn’t been lost on the media.

It was reported that $309,000 a day is being spent to protect Trump Tower in New York City, because First Lady Melania Trump hasn’t moved into the White House. Trump’s weekend trips to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida cost American taxpayers about $2 million per trip.

OMAROSA MANIGAULT WALKED OUT of a breakfast meeting she had requested to attend, hosted by the National Newspaper Publishers Association, after disputing the accuracy of a story written in January.

Manigault, President Donald Trump’s director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison, became agitated after a story quoted civil rights lawyer Barbara Arnwine as stating that Manigault promised the “first interview” with Trump to NNPA President Benjamin Chavis during a Jan. 4 Trump transition team meeting with Black leaders. Manigault doesn’t dispute having promised the interview. However, she was incensed because the story said she promised Chavis “the first” interview…….A WHITE OKLAHOMA POLICE OFFICER charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting an unarmed Black man last year said the man’s race had nothing to do with her decision to fire her gun. Tulsa officer Betty Jo Shelby told CBS’s “60 Minutes” that she used lethal force because she feared 40-year-old Terence Crutcher was reaching inside his SUV for a gun. Shelby has pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter and goes to trial May 8. Prosecutors contend that Shelby overreacted and that Crutcher wasn’t armed or combative when she approached him after his SUV broke down…….

A 14-YEAR-OLD CHICAGO BOY HAS BEEN ARRESTED for taking part in a group sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. The attack was streamed on Facebook Live. The teen boy is facing aggravated criminal sexual assault charges as well as charges related to disseminating child pornography. He is just the first of multiple juvenile offenders from the March 19 assault to be charged with more arrests to follow. Police are on the hunt for as many as six people from the video…..AN ALBUM CONTAINING A RARE PHOTO of 19th century abolitionist and Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman was sold recently at a New York City auction for $161,000.

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 23 APRIL 6, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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

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APRIL 6 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | APRIL 6 | 2017

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT/ EDUCATION w Children’s Museum of Houston Featuring 90,000 square feet of interactive and bilingual exhibitions in the areas of science and technology, history and culture, health and human development, and the arts, this museum is a perfect pick specifically designed for kids. Kids can run their own city and compile their own TV news reports at Kidtropolis, make their own gadgets in the Invention Convention exhibit, and check out the forces of hydropower at FlowWorks. For children 3 years and younger, Tot Spot provides a fun-filled wonderland of invigorating activities for infants and toddlers.

Cost: Free Family night every Thursday between 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Regular days $12.

Where: 1500 Binz St. Visit www.cmhouston.org/ w Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) This extremely kid-friendly museum consistently ranks as one of the most visited museums in the country for a reason. HMNS features a Paleontology Hall towering with prehistoric critters, an enjoyable planetarium, a 3D IMAX Theater, a magnificent butterfly exhibit, plus more than a dozen permanent exhibit areas.

Cost: Children ages 2 and under: FREE; Ages 3-11: $15; Ages 12 and up: $25 Where: 5555 Hermann Park Drive Visit www.hmns.org/ w Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) Families can discover a world of art at MFAH with exciting weekly family programs – including Creation Station, Family Packs, Target Free First Sundays, Story Time and Family Tours – designed especially for children and adults to explore art together.

Cost: Children 5 and under FREE; General admission $9 Where: 1001 Bissonnet St. Visit www.mfah.org/

w Houston Zoo Kids can get their animal groove on exploring animal habitats, giraffe feedings, Naturally Wild Swap Shop (where you can bring in your found treasures), and Meet the Keeper talks/encounters/feedings every half hour. The Houston Zoo also has a Water Play Park, Sneak Peek tours, Zoo Crew experiences, and Vet for a Day programs that provide fun for toddlers to teens.

Cost: Children 1 and Under Free; Kids ages 2 and up vary, $11-$18 Where: 6200 Hermann Park Drive Visit www.houstonzoo.org w Houston Public Library Each neighborhood library has special summer programs for kids of all ages that are free or very low cost. General activities include arts and crafts, exhibits, book clubs, computer classes and story times. A library card offers access to more than 6 million books, e-books, songs, movies, audiobooks and more.

Cost: FREE Where: Varies Visit www.houstonlibrary.org w Trader’s Village– Dance to the music of the free concerts at Trader’s Village. Houston’s largest flea market has 100 acres of booths.

They host music and festivals each weekend and have rides, food, and a fun atmosphere.

Parking is $4 and admission is free.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays Where: 7979 North Eldridge Parkway Visit www.tradersvillage.com

SUMMER CAMPS/PROGRAMS w Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) SEEK is a three-week program designed to expose Black children to STEM fields as early as the third grade and through 12th

SUMM

ACTIVITIES

By JASEMINE KNO

School will be out and summer will be here be make life a bit easier for parents, the Defende your youngster grade. Students participate from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, so each student is given 105 contact hours per summer. The program utilizes NSBE collegiate members, most of whom are Black and majoring in STEM fields, as student mentors. All student participants must be available for the entire three-week program. Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers.

Cost: FREE nonrefundable $50 application fee per student When: June 12-June 30 Where: To be announced (TBA) Contact: ajones@NSBE.org Visit www.nsbe.org/seek.aspx w Summer Enrichment Program S.E.P. is a 10-week day-camp style program for youth ages 6 - 13. Registration is required for this

fun-filled program. Available and Recreation Department c program activities include: c ness, track and field, soccer, nature exploration, computer recycling awareness, kayakin ing and hiking excursions an experiences.

Cost: $30 per child per w When: Registration und dates TBA Where: TBA Visit apm.activecommun parks/Home

w Summer Youth Enrichmen An eight-week full day pr

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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efore you know it. To keep kids engaged and er has compiled a list of things to do to keep rs occupied.

e at 49 Houston Parks community centers, crafts, nutrition, fun fitswimming, junior golf, r literacy programs, ng, bird watching, fishnd youth entrepreneur

week derway; program

nities.com/houston

nt Program (SYEP) rogram for school-

age children (5-15), hosted by SHAPE community center, SYEP will offer classes and activities that include: cultural arts (African dance and culture, music, visual arts, drama, etc.), computer literacy, sports and recreational activities, foreign languages, academic challenges, games and field trips. The program will also feature Black history classes and swimming.

In addition, this program culminates with a weekend camping trip for participants and their families. This program operates annually from June through August, Mondays through Fridays.

Cost: TBA When: June 5-July 28 Where: 3815 Live Oak Contact: Hamdiya Ali via asdavidson@

he Houston area for over 85 years

shape.org or call 713-521-0641 w Teen Adventure Caravan This program offers a variety of fun programs, mentoring opportunities, and peer group special events for teens (ages 14 - 18) at community centers during the summer. Year-round programs are coordinated through the Teen Program Section. Activities include motivational speakers, essay competitions, talent exhibitions, teen camp experiences, nature activities, cultural programs, special events and college tours.

Cost: FREE When: Year round Where: Judson Robinson Jr. Community Center, 2020 Hermann Drive Contact: 713-284-1997 Visit www.houstontx.gov/parks/youthsports. html

RECREATION/SPORTS w Blue Triangle Summer Camp Children enrolled in the summer day camp at Blue Triangle will have a chance to participate in the Learn to Swim program. The swimming techniques taught are 21st century methods and certified instructors and life guards are on hand to ensure students learn faster within a safe, professional atmosphere.

Cost: $25 registration fee; $30 a day or $80 a week When: June 5- July 28 Where: 3005 McGowen St. Contact: 713-650-3878

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w Houston Youth Tennis Program Houston Youth Tennis Program is a year-round program that offers basic tennis instruction to registered participants ages 4-18. The program and instruction is offered at parks across the city.

Cost: FREE When: Summer session June 5 - July 27 Visit houstonyouthtennis.camp7.org/ w Splashway Water Park Spend the day at Splashway where the whole family will experience a variety of attractions and activities including zip lines, wave pools, kiddie areas, speed slides, mat racers, slides, and a lazy river.

Cost: Children under 2 FREE; Guests under 42’ and over 42’ respectively: $24-$35 Where: 5211 Main St, Sheridan, TX 77475 Visit www.splashwaywaterpark.com w Summer Break Camp At the Zone, kids could learn how to play basketball, touch football, kick ball, baseball, soccer, dodge ball and many other exciting activities and games. All the Zone’s sports and activities are offered under one roof, inside their air-conditioned facility.

Cost: Rates vary Daily Rates: Half-day 9a.m-noon, $35; full day 9 a.m.-3p.m, $65 Weekly Rates: Half-day, $130; full day, $230 When: May 29-Aug. 25 Where: 10371 Stella Link Rd. Contact: 281-317-PLAY (7529) or info@ thezonesports.com Visit www.thezonesportsplex.com/camps

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DEFENDER | APRIL 6 | 2017

entertainment

Other OWN shows

John Gray

Houston pastor part of OWN lineup

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Defender News Services

he OWN Network is quickly becoming a favorite in African-American households.

With popular shows like “The Haves and Have Nots,” “Greenleaf” and “Iylana, Fix My Life,” Oprah Winfrey’s Network has soared in the ratings. Now, Lakewood Church Associate Pastor John Gray is finding himself among the lineup.

“The Book of John Gray” features the life of Gray, who is known for his larger-than-life sense of humor and his special ability to connect with peoples’ hearts, bringing a message of hope and faith to everyone he meets. The network says that “he’s not your daddy’s preacher.” The show premieres Saturday, April 15, at 9 p.m.

Raised by a single mother, Gray began preaching at the age of 21, toured as a singer with Grammy awardwinning gospel artist Kirk Franklin, and is renowned for his ability to blend comedy, music and entertainment into a unique style of preaching.

While he admits that he has faced his own enormous struggles and could easily have become a statistic, he has instead risen to prodigious success and is now trying to be the role model and father that he never had.

Gray will give viewers unprecedented access into his life with his wife, Aventer, and their ministry. Gray faces his own relatable struggles and triumphs as a husband and father.

The premiere season will introduce the dynamics within the Gray house-

hold, including his emotional struggle with diabetes and Aventer’s medical challenges.

Among the people Gray will guide are a woman whose home was destroyed after a flood, causing her to lose her faith; a father concerned about his daughter’s dangerous addiction to alcohol; a couple trying to overcome infidelity on their path to the altar; and a military veteran who is trying to work through the trauma of sexual abuse suffered while serving her country, which brings up demons from Gray’s own painful past.

John Gray

“Iyanla: Fix My Life” -- Season premiere Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m. – Spiritual life coach Iyanla Vanzant tackles thoughtprovoking issues on OWN’s award-winning series. She helps those who are struggling, encouraging them to do the work necessary for real change.

“Super Soul Sunday” -- Season premiere Sunday, April 16, 10 a.m. – The two-time Emmy award-winning series features all-new conversations between Oprah Winfrey and top thinkers, authors, visionaries and spiritual leaders.

“Greenleaf” – Wednesdays, 9 p.m. – OWN’s original drama series takes viewers into the unscrupulous world of the Greenleaf family and their sprawling Memphis megachurch, where scandalous secrets and lies are as numerous as the faithful.

“For Peete’s Sake” – Saturdays, 9 p.m. – Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback, Rodney Peete, give an intimate look inside their hectic and comical lives as they attempt to balance their everyday lives.

“If Loving You Is Wrong” – Tuesdays, 8 p.m. – This sexy, sleek drama from Tyler Perry takes viewers into the lives of a group of husbands, wives and friends that live and love in the same middle-class neighborhood.

“Love Thy Neighbor” – Saturdays, 8 p.m. – The half-hour comedy from Perry is set at the Love Train Diner, a family-run restaurant where every day the menu serves up good food, great laughs, valuable life lessons and a whole lot of love.

“Home Made Simple” – Saturdays, 8 a.m. – This daytime series features fresh design ideas, recipes and money and space-saving solutions for homeowners, and empowers viewers to take on simple household projects with confidence.

“Vanity Fair Confidential” – Fridays, 8 p.m. – Features mysteries ripped from the pages of Vanity Fair. In each hour, the magazine’s writers give viewers exclusive insight into each story, interlaced with first-person accounts.

what’sup SHONDA RHIMES can add a new title to her already outstanding resume. The television producer and writer has been named creative director for Dove’s new production company, Real Beauty Productions. The purpose of the partnership campaign is to showcase women’s #RealBeauty in media and culture. The company hailed Rhimes as a “pioneer in celebrating diverse and inclusive beauty on screen,” noting a statistic that 69 percent of women say they don’t see themselves reflected on screen..…..MIKE EPPS is under fire for using a live kangaroo onstage during a recent performance.

The kangaroo, which appeared to be in distress

and at some point even tried to run off the stage, was wearing a harness. Several in attendance were furious about what they perceived as animal abuse.

Epps has since apologized…..The director of the live-action remake of the Disney classic “The Lion King” said he wants BEYONCE’ to voice the character of Nala. The “Lemonade singer” has reportedly not yet made a decision. The voice-acting role would be less stressful and easier for the star, who is pregnant with twins.……MASTER P will release his biopic, “King of the South,” which will follow his life from childhood to hip-hop mogul success. It will star QUEEN LATIFAH and

WENDELL PIERCE and will heavily feature New Orleans..…..R&B songstress KEKE WYATT has confirmed recent reports that she is expecting her ninth child, her fourth with husband Michael Ford. The “R&B Divas” star said she comes from a big family and is excited about the addition……..

TYRA BANKS is bringing a big change to “America’s Next Top Model” when she returns as host for the upcoming 24th cycle. The model/producer announced via Twitter that the show will do away with the contestant age limit, which means folks older than the previous age limit of 27 may now apply.

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APRIL 6 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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Black billionaire’s five keys to success

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Defender News Services

illionaire Robert F. Smith has lived his life mostly under the radar, granting limited interviews about how he’s built a private equity empire and net worth of $2.5 billion.

The chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners is No. 274 on the Forbes 400 List of Richest Americans, and richer than basketball legend Michael Jordan and BET founder Bob Johnson.

Although the 54-yearold Smith has kept his life and work mostly behind the scenes, his business moves to support the Black community are hard to ignore. Smith’s $20 million gift to the National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC) came in only second to Oprah Winfrey.

He’s also backed up his commitment to increasing the number of Black students in STEM education with support for youth coding programs and a $50 million gift to his alma mater, Cornell University, to bolster AfricanAmerican and female students in the College of Engineering.

He isn’t just writing checks. Speaking to young Black professionals and graduate students at the Columbia Black Business Student Association’s 35th annual conference, Smith, a Columbia Business School alum, dropped knowledge on everything from economic empowerment to how to build the next generation of leaders in the Black community.

Here are five keys to success – and words of wisdom – from Smith’s candid talk: 1. Be an expert at your craft.

“The most important thing you can do as a young person is to become an expert. There is

no substitute for becoming the best at your craft.”

Despite being repeatedly turned away when applying for a job at Bell Labs because he was still in high school, Smith finally got an offer after an older student didn’t show up. Smith went on to earn a chemical engineering degree from Cornell. Smith knew his stuff, and when it was time to ask for a seat at the table, he could deliver based on his merits and persistence.

2. Create your own.

“I started Vista because I knew no private equity firm would hire me. I saw what they were looking for... so I created my own firm.”

After graduating from Columbia Business School in 1994, Smith landed a coveted job at Goldman Sachs, focusing on technology mergers and acquisitions. He successfully led those efforts for six years but eventually wanted to venture out on his own. In 2000 Smith took a leap of faith to start his own private equity firm focused on

Robert Smith

software and technologyenabled businesses.

The fact that Smith, a double Ivy-League graduate with a master’s degree in business, felt he could run into roadblocks shows that even when you are qualified, realizing your unique vision might mean creating your own path. As of last year, Smith’s company managed more than $26 billion dollars in assets and is considered to be one of the top private equity firms in the country.

3. Be an example to others.

“I now have the ability to inspire some young

African-Americans to say, ‘I can now go actually do this.’ ” Smith remembers in his younger days reading a spread in Black Enterprise Magazine about Black business leaders. The staggering amount of money they earned blew him away.

More than their net worth, Smith says seeing their faces inspired curiosity about their work and made

him feel he could pursue the same path.

Once he earned his first million at age 35, Smith said he kept a low profile “by design,” choosing to develop his skills and company rather than seek limelight. After being featured on the cover of Forbes magazine in 2015, that privacy went out the window. Just as the stories of Black business leaders inspired him then, he wants to do the same for others.

4. Know your purpose.

“Be thoughtful and conscious about what is your highest and best use.”

In college, Smith enjoyed his social life with his brothers from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on Friday nights, and would get up as early at 6 a.m. the next day to tutor youth. Smith’s parents

were both schoolteachers who supported civil rights issues. He suggested that not everyone has to be rich or have a highpowered job to make a lasting difference. Asking yourself which of your talents and gifts inspire you to get up in the morning is time well spent.

5. Invest in the future. “[Technology is] the greatest wealth-building opportunity in the history of the planet.”

Smith insists there is a lot at stake if Black people miss out on the current boom in STEM. He said in the same way that football scouts start early in finding young athletic talent in elementary school, Black communities should invest resources in uplifting our own young tech stars.

When that happens, “leaders will emerge.”

Getting

classifieds NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Request for sub-contractor proposals for the Houston Community College (HCC) – North Forest Campus Automotive Technology Building Project “Durotech, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Houston Community College System, will receive proposals from subcontractors and vendor trades for the HCC – North Forest Campus Automotive Technology Building Project, based on documents - NORTH FOREST CAMPUS – AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINING CENTER EABPRJB6819920 - ISSUED FOR BIDDING dated January 23, 2017, issued by PGAL Architects.

Proposals and qualification statements will be received by Durotech, Inc., until 2:00 P.M. local time on Thursday, April 20, 2017, in the presence of the Owner and Architect at the offices of Durotech, Inc. at 11931 Wickchester Lane, #205, Houston, TX 77043-4501.

Proposals may be emailed to bids@durotechgc.com or faxed to 281-496-5637. Prevailing wage rates in conformance with Texas law will be paid on this project. All proposals shall remain valid for sixty (60) days.

Durotech, Inc. is committed to meeting the SBE goals set for this project and encourages all SBE firms to submit a proposal for this project.

Drawings and Specifications will be available for review at the offices of Durotech, Inc., and at the plan rooms of AGC, Dodge Data & Analytics, Virtual Builders Exchange, Brazos Valley Contractors Association, Construction Data and CMD Group. Contact Alan Montgomery (alanm@durotechgc.com) at 281-558-6892 for information on this project.

Started Safely Call 811 before you dig.

When it comes to digging safely, you make the call.

Whether you’re working on a large excavation, or simply planting a tree in your yard, natural gas and utility line safety should always be job one – and that means calling 811 before you dig. Calling 811 helps you know where natural gas, electric, water and other underground lines are located. It also helps you avoid causing serious injuries, service interruptions, or possibly costly fines for damaged infrastructure. Make the call. It’s easy. It’s FREE. Respect the lines. Dig with care. After all, safety is in your hands, but always on our minds.

We’re investing in infrastructure, technology and services that help keep you safe.

More information on natural gas safety is available at: CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

The Owner, Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager reserve the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informalities and irregularities in the proposal process, and to make the awards in the best interest of HCC. By submitting a proposal, each proposer agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Architect/Engineer, Construction Manager and their respective employees arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation, or recommendation of any proposal; waiver of any requirements under the Proposal Documents, or the Contract Documents; acceptance or rejection of any proposals; and award of a Contract.”

©2017 CenterPoint Energy 162946 CENT-0263_2017 Q2 Gas Safety Print_TNA_4-79x6-5.indd 1

3/20/17 2:27 PM

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DEFENDER | APRIL 6 | 2017

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sports

Play ball!

Astros’ season full of optimism

S

By MAX EDISON Defender

pring has sprung and the sound of ball striking bat can only mean one thing – the start of the Major League Baseball season. Nowhere in the nation is there more optimism for the upcoming campaign than right here in Houston with the Astros.

Astros GM Jeff Luhnow has done a masterful job adding key components to the roster. The team had already assembled a dazzling nucleus of young talent featuring All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, former No. 1 overall draft selection shortstop Carlos Correa, centerfielder George Springer and Evan Gattis.

To that mix add hotshot second-year sensation Alex Bregman at third and Cuban All-Star Yulieski Gurriel, who both showed their value in a short sample size (two months) last season.

If that wasn’t enough, Luhnow added former All-Star catcher Brian McCann, outfielders Josh Reddick and Norichika Aoki, and the venerable outfielder Carlos Beltran for his second tour of duty as an Astro.

“We feel pretty good about the additions,” skipper A.J. Hinch said. “We also feel pretty good about the guys we’re bringing back, and I think it’s important to understand that the goal of the offseason was to supplement the good core group that we have returning. I think we’ve done that.”

Altuve affirmed the offseason moves.

“It seems like a new team,” Altuve said. “We already had a good team the last couple of years, but it seems like with this team they put the pieces together. It is interesting what we’re going to do. I

Jose Altuve

know that people have a lot of high expectations, so do we. I think we are on the same page.”

Last season, the Astros finished in third place in the American League West with a record of 84-78.

For the team to reach its lofty expectations

in 2017 they have to get more consistency from their starting pitching staff. They need ace Dallas Keuchel to return to his 2015 Cy Young winning ways instead of the 9-12, 2016 version with a 4.55 ERA in 26 starts.

They need a healthy Lance McCullers who in 2015 looked like a tremendous young prospect.

They hope that the right elbow problems that plagued McCullers last season are in the past.

“I feel like a brand new guy,” Keuchel said. “It felt a little weird, playing catch at first and then getting off the mound the first time…But it all came together rather quickly, and that was good to see. It just felt so good to get off the elevated ground and throw to a catcher, and hear a little bit of a pop from the mitt.”

Expect Collin McHugh, Mike Fiers and Joe Musgrove to round out the starting pitching staff.

If they can provide serviceable outings, they will turn the ball over to one of the Majors’ best bullpens.

The bullpen will consist of left-hander Tony Sipp and right-handers Chris Devenski, Brad Peacock and Jandel Gustave, Ken Giles and Luke Gregerson. In Giles and Gregerson, the Astros have virtually two closers who can lock up opposition hitters in the eighth and ninth innings. They both throw sliders that are virtually unhittable.

The Astros are a solid, experienced team, offensively and defensively. If they can stay healthy expect a deep playoff run and possibly a World Series opportunity.

George Springer Dallas Keuchel

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h.s.zone George Ranch High likes view at the top pointment.

“We’re having fun out there and t was a typiwhen you’re havcal night at the ing fun you tend to ball yard for the relax,” said MeneGeorge Ranch fee, a Texas A&M Longhorns varUniversity commit. sity baseball squad.

“You play better The No. 1 ranked when you’re relaxed Class 6A high school and the team is doing baseball team in Texas well. defeated perennial “There’s no powerhouse Pearland pressure on anybody 11-4 on the road and and we can all just in blustery conditions. play our game,” “It was a pretty Menefee said. “We complete ball game. practice hard and We hit the ball well have a great time and and defensively we it shows on the field were sharp,” said during games.”

George Ranch head Senior rightcoach Greg Kobza. fielder Dylan Rock “Pearland put the ball added two singles in play and we were against Pearland, able to convert those Jake Zatopek had into outs. a triple and a run Bryce Debbs, Dylan Rock and Joseph Menefee are among the “We got big hits scored and censtandouts on George Ranch High School’s top-ranked baseball team. in some key spots,” terfielder Bryce Kobza said. “It was a Debbs had an RBI fairly solid effort all the way around.” and a run scored. Zatopek tossed an inning in The senior-laden Longhorns improved to 19-1 relief. on the season and 4-0 in District 23-6A with one of “We have kids that play multiple positions,” the few non-seniors providing a standout perforKobza said. “My leftfielder [Ty Abraham] can mance. Junior lefthander Joseph Menefee gave up also play shortstop. So we move around a little two runs over five innings to pick up the victory. bit. We’re not defined at one position and that Menefee’s bases-loaded first-inning double gives us some depth.” plated the game’s first two Debbs is one of the runs and he finished the team’s senior leaders game 3-for-4 with two trialong with Kyle BouSee what area schools are faring ples, three RBIs and a steal dreau, Josh Lapierre, well in girls’ softball of home. He moved to first Bradley Armstrong, base in the sixth inning and Bailey Allen and Zack recorded all three put-outs, Holzhuter. including a diving stop to the glove side.

“Bryce is going to get out there and do a “Joseph’s been steady for us all year long,” good job for me,” Kobza said “I have a lot of conKobza said. “He can play multiple positions [leftfidence in him. He’s one of our better defenders.” field, first base] and he throws very well for us.

Debbs says it’s been a long road starting He swings the bat too, and he did a heck of a job organized baseball when he was 9 years old and tonight.” getting to this point. After serving as a reserve last Menefee and his teammates are enjoying life year, Debbs relishes his role as a steady contribuat the top following the move up from Class 5A. tor for the Longhorns.

George Ranch has remaining league games “This is my senior year and I’m just trying to against Elsik, Taylor, Hastings, Dawson, Brazogive it my all,” he said. “Coach Kobza makes us swood and Pearland. This team is built to go bework hard and he keeps it fun for us. It means a yond last season’s bi-district playoff round disaplot to be No. 1 in the state.”

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

I

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APRIL 6 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs ‘T-Mac’ going to hall The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced its 2017 class and two-time NBA scoring champion and former Houston Rocket Tracy McGrady is among the inductees. McGrady was a seven-time All-Star who played 15 years in the league. His best years were with the Orlando Magic and the Rockets before injuries limited his effectiveness. He led the league in scoring in 2002-03 and 2003-04. “This is the ultimate; you’re talking about a guy who came straight out of high school to the pros and now the Hall of Fame,” McGrady said. Also being inducted are Bill Self, Rebecca Lobo, Muffet McGraw, Robert Hughes, Jerry Krause, George McGinnis, Tom Jernstedt, Nikos Galis, Zack Clayton and Mannie Jackson.

S. Carolina women win South Carolina defeated Mississippi State 67-55 to win the Women’s Final Four, their first title in school history. The Lady Gamecocks finished the season 33-4. They were led by the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player A’ja Wilson and Allisha Gray. The triumph was a long time coming for coach Dawn Staley, who made the Final Four three times as a player at Virginia but never won.

She also led the Gamecocks to the national semifinals two years ago before losing to Notre Dame.

“If something is a goal of yours to accomplish, you don’t give up on it,” Staley said. “I never gave up on winning a national championship, no matter how hard it was, no matter what it looked like.”

Hawkins garners award Junior guard Nigel Hawkins of Cypress Falls High School was selected the winner of the Guy V. Lewis Award for most outstanding high school basketball player in the greater Houston area for the 2016-2017 campaign. Hawkins was named Most Valuable Player in the Class 6A state title game with 18 points and four steals as the Eagles knocked off San Antonio Wagner 63-57 to claim the state championship with a 35-3 record.

Hawkins becomes the first non-senior recipient in the six-year history of the award.

Patterson shines in game Chastity Patterson of North Shore High School turned in a prime time performance at the 2017 McDonald’s All American Girls High School basketball game at the United Center in Chicago.

In a showcase for the best high school seniors in the country, Patterson helped the East rally from a 13-point deficit to defeat the West 80-74 in overtime. Patterson, North Shore’s all-time leading scorer and heading to the University of Texas, tallied 14 points, including 10 in the first half, and added a game-high six assists. Patterson combined with UConn pledge Megan Walker on a key inbounds play that put the East up for good in overtime. Rellah Boothe, a Texas signee from Florida, was named the game’s MVP after finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. Boothe ignited the rally with backto-back three-point shots in the second half.

Patterson was asked what it meant that two of the top scorers in the game were heading to UT. “We’re going to win championships,” she said.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 6 | 2017

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topevents

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

NAACP’S LET’S TALK HOUSTON……..The NAACP Houston Branch hosted “Let’s school, the arts and avoiding gun violence, she warmly offered one-on-one conversations Talk Houston,” a dinner conversation panel discussion featuring County Commissioner with several students, and enjoyed an impromptu reunion with her former JY classmates on Rodney Ellis, State Sen. Borris Miles and Mayor Sylvester Turner. NAACP Houston hand. Attendees included Yates Principal Kenneth Davis, Tracy Gatewood, HISD Trustee Branch president Dr. James Douglas served as moderator for the panel, while the Jolanda Jones, Carl Davis, Lewis Carraway, Andrew Allen Jr., City Councilmember organization’s Executive Director Yolanda Smith facilitated audience questions on topics Amanda Edwards, Chase Taylor, Jalissa Broussard and many more……..LET THEM such as Black business opportunities, HISD, healthcare access and more. The event, held at EAT CAKE GALA 2017……...The Covenant House Texas hosted its signature annual Houston Community College’s West Loop Campus, was part of the NAACP’s Quarterly fundraising event, the Let Them Eat Cake Gala, at the Omni Houston Hotel. Roughly 550 Conversation Series. Attendees included National NAACP board supporters attended and participated in multiple auctions designed to member Howard Jefferson, past NAACP Houston President funds to support the organization’s mission to provide shelter and Defender TOP EVENTS raise Carolyn Scantlebury, Cary Yates, Judge Zinetta Burney, programs for homeless teens. Attendees included Executive Director More photos on defendernetwork.com Theola Pettaway, Mary Benton, Darian Ward, Marlon Smith Leslie Bourne, Linda Bell, Jacqueline Fair, Augusta Green Ph.D., Queen Ty Ross, Keshia Thomas and many more……..

IV, Jennifer Jackson, event chairs Ashley Tisius and Amanda PHYLICIA RASHAD VISITS YATES…….. Jack Yates High School’s Theater Arts Lundquist, Kimberly Upchurch, Defender Sports Editor Max Edison, Judeene Edison, Jesse Payton, Charlene Hutchins, Regina Ricks, Micah Decuire, Fanchon Goode, Department played host to iconic actress and Yates alumna Phylicia Rashad. Yates Theater students, led by theater teacher Margo Hickman, performed for Rashad and honorees Julie Rogers and Jay Rogers, special service recognition honoree and former other attendees before she addressed the crowd. Rashad not only gave powerful advice on Covenant House Executive Director Ronda Robinson, and many others.

Algenita Scott Davis, Howard Jefferson, Carolyn Scantlebury

Carl Davis, Phylicia Rashad, Yates High School students

Ronda Robinson, Yolanda Green Barnes

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Amari Walker

Kenneth Davis, Tracy Gatewood, Margo Hickman

Carolyn Garrard, Max Edison, Judeene Edison

Caprice Castleberry, Dr. Sheila Pope

Alexis Cooper, Councilmember Amanda Edwards, Isaiah Cooper, Tori Rhodes

Norman Smith, Karen Jolivet, Jacqui Roy Willis, Jesse Payton

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