Issuu

FEATURE

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

DISCOVERY: RARE PHOTOS OF BLACKS WORKING IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION P12

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 87 | Number 24 APRIL 12, 2018 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

NEWSTALK BEN CRUMP files local lawsuit in Thomas’ death

P2 NATIONAL TYRONE HANKERSON suing Howard University for $10 mil

Black colleges in

JEOPARDY? H PAGE 8

P4 H.S. ZONE ALLY HENSON hurdles to new heights at Yates

P15 TOP EVENTS

Dr. Tomiko Meeks, Dr. Michon Benson-Marsh and Cha’Mira Keener at the State of Black Women in Houston.

Melanie Lawson

hosts ‘Crossroads’ finale The KTRK ABC13 news anchor is the last host of the community affairs show. “The Women of Crossroads” recently saluted the show’s producers and hosts over its 46-year run. Lawson and others shared insights and personal stories about their respective experiences.

Kelvin Sampson leads Cougars to victory In his fourth season as the University of Houston head basketball coach, Sampson has the program headed in the right direction. Find out why his efforts have earned him the title of American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

H PAGE 6

P16 defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years

H PAGE

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018

newstalk

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump files lawsuit in shooting of Danny Thomas Defender News Services National civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and prominent Texas trial lawyer Bob Hilliard – the team representing the family of Harris County Sheriff’s Office police shooting victim Danny Ray Thomas – are filing a lawsuit. .Harris County Sheriff’s deputy Cameron Brewer shot and killed Thomas about 20 seconds after he saw Thomas and another man struggling in a busy intersection. When the deputy got out of his car and yelled, the 34-year-old who has a history of mental illness approached Brewer, un- Kita Thomas in a state of crisis of some kind.” Two of armed and with his pants around his ankles. Brewer filed a single shot, according to video Thomas’ children were killed by their mother in 2016, according to his sister, Kita Thomas. from Brewer’s dashboard camera. “We’ve been suffering our whole life,” The shooting garnered national attenKita Thomas said at a recent “No tion, occurring within a week More Blood Shed” town hall meetof Sacramento police killing ing. “Do you hear me? That was my of Stephon Clark, an unarmed world, and he was taken from me ... Black man in his grandmothI need for you to bring justice for er’s backyard, and Louisiana my brother.” officials declining to pursue Crump, who is also representcriminal charges against offiing the family of Sacramento police cers in the high-profile shootshooting victim Stephon Clark, has ing death of Alton Sterling. In partnered with Hilliard to pursue 2017, Texas law enforcement justice on behalf of Thomas and officers injured or killed 158 his family. Hilliard recently argued people in shootings, accordagainst the U.S. border patrol’s ing to data from the attorney Ben Crump deadly force policies at the general’s office. A quarter of the U.S. Supreme Court when a 15-year-old shootings involved a black individual, and 16 Mexican national was gunned down at the percent of the injured or killed were unarmed. border. Thomas’ family say he was “obviously

defendernetwork.com

Texas gets $5 billion for Harvey recovery Defender News Services

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $5,035,260,000 to support long-term disaster recovery in Texas following Hurricane Harvey and 2016 flooding events in Texas. The funds are provided through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program and are intended to rebuild seriously damaged housing, businesses and critical infrastructure. “It’s clear that a number of states and local communities are still struggling to recover from a variety of natural disasters that occurred in the past three years,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “These grants will help rebuild communities impacted by past disasters and will also protect them from major disasters in the future.” “The additional CDBG-DR funds will inject billions of dollars that are desperately needed to help restore our communities,” added Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “As the recovery process from Hurricane Harvey continues, the State of Texas is continuing to work as quickly as possible to ensure affected regions have the resources they need to fully recover.” HUD is providing Texas CDBG-DR funds for two purposes: $652,175,000 to help rebuild severely damaged homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, and $4,297,189,000 to support “mitigation activities” to protect Texas families from future storms. In addition, the City of Houston received $61,884,000 and the City of San Marcos $24,012,000 for mitigation of 2015 floods. HUD will issue guidelines shortly and will provide substantial technical support for use of the funds to address grantees’ long-term recovery needs, particularly in the area of housing recovery.

localbriefs COUNTY COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS IS CALLING for an independent audit of the Harris County Treasurer’s Office following charges of felony theft against first assistant treasurer Gregory Lueb. District Attorney Kim Ogg, who also called for an independent audit, raised concerns that Lueb, who allegedly stole more than $35,000 from the Harris County Federal Credit Union, also had access to multiple accounts containing taxpayer dollars. “We need complete transparency on this matter. I am calling for Commissioners Court to conduct a special investigation of the Harris County Treasurer’s Office. The public needs to

be reassured that no other wrongdoing has taken place and County leaders need to understand why this happened in the first place so steps can be taken to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Ellis said……..HISD FOURTH AND EIGTH GRADERS FROM ALL demographic groups outperformed their peers across the nation in math, according to results released from the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The math results show that African-American, Hispanic, English language learners, economically disadvantaged and white HISD students in both grades outperformed their national counterparts,

which means they are doing better than their respective peers across the country. However, the results also indicate that overall, there was a slight decline in HISD students’ math scores from 2015 to the 2017 assessment….….THE HOUSTON MBDA BUSINESS CENTER IS HOSTING a one-day symposium for Hurricane Harvey impacted small businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend workshops geared to helping them get back to business, meet one-on-one with business and technical professionals and browse a trade show of business disruption related services. Register at https://businessafterharvey.eventbrite.com.

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

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 12 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Streaming on the fastest Internet is easy with Xfinity. You don’t just want easy—you want easy easy. That means streaming your favorite movies and shows on the fastest Internet. It means getting the best WiFi in and out of the home to watch your entertainment anywhere. It even means that you can now get up to five lines of Xfinity Mobile included with your Internet, so you can save more. That makes your life simple, easy and awesome.

Get started with Internet | TV

each a month

FOR 2 FULL YEARS when you buy both with 2-year agreement

Includes Xfinity X1 & more download speed than ever — up to 150 Mbps

3x the speed of AT&T & DirecTV’s comparable package

Equipment, taxes and other charges extra, and subj. to change. See details below. Bill will reflect bundled rate for X1 Saver Double Play at $79.99 a mo. for 2 years.

Go to xfinity.com, call 1-800-xfinity or visit an Xfinity Store today.

Offer ends 4/15/18. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to the X1 Saver Double Play with Digital Starter TV with Streampix and Performance Pro 150 Mbps Internet. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services (except Xfinity Mobile) are canceled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $8.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $6.50/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after agreement term. After agreement term, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s monthly service charge for X1 Saver Double Play is $100. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Internet: America’s best ISP based on download speeds measured by over 111 million tests taken by consumers at Speedtest.net. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Speed claim based on download speeds for Xfinity X1 Saver Double Play with 150 Mbps and DirecTV’s Select All Included package with AT&T’s Internet 50 as of 3/15/18. Mobile: New Xfinity Internet customers limited to up to two lines pending activation of Internet service. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2018 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA213754-0003

125937_NPA213754-0003 Easy ad West 9.75x13 Defender.indd 1

4/2/18 6:15 PM

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018

national

Wave of teacher strikes hit U.S. with money demands Defender News Services Arizona teachers who have organized to push for big raises and a restoration of school funding are threatening a statewide walkout, following the lead of educators across the country, including Oklahoma where schools have been closed for more than a week. The group of about 40,000 educators in Arizona said Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican lawmakers who control the Legislature have not responded to requests for negotiations. Leaders of Oklahoma’s largest teacher’s union want a capital gains Teachers across the country are demanding raises and increased school funding. tax exemption repealed and for the levels and an end to new tax cuts. governor to veto a repeal of a proposed lodging tax as they The Arizona group has held #RedforEd protests for push for more education funding. They already received weeks and plans “walk-ins” in at least 1,000 schools across pay raises of about $6,100, but many educators say their the state. Organizer Noah Karvelis said 30,000 educators classrooms need more money. have ratified the group’s demand list and they are nearing Other states, including West Virginia and Kentucky, their goal of getting enough teachers to approve a statewide have seen teacher strikes or protests this year as the educawalkout. tion community revolts against years of cuts and lower “It looks like we’re going to hit those numbers shortly spending. here,” he said before heading to his teaching job. “In the Arizona education advocates said the state is spending meantime, our governor and our Legislature have not respondnearly $1 billion a year less on schools than before the Great ed to our demands, our request for meetings. So, it seems like Recession, and they want that funding restored. the only language they understand is escalated action here.” The state’s teachers are among the lowest paid in the Arizona elementary teachers earned a median wage of nation. The teachers’ group that sprang up in March is $43,280 in 2017 and high school teachers $46,470, the third demanding a 20 percent pay hike and annual raises, higher and sixth lowest in the nation, respectively. pay for support staff, a restoration of school funding to 2008

Howard student to sue school for $10 million

employees. In late March, an anonymous item was posted to an online blogging platform alleging an “officeA Howard University student is suing the wide scandal” involving officials in the university’s school, alleging it allowed him to become the financial aid department. That post mentioned scapegoat for a financial aid scandal gripping the Hankerson by name and suggested he had been the institution. recipient of misappropriated money. The lawsuit filed by Tyrone Hankerson Jr. Hankerson was publicly humiliated and bealso names Howard’s president, Wayne A.I. Fredcame the target of defamatory statements, the court erick, as a defendant. filing alleges. A Howard representative said in a statement Tyrone Hankerson “Mr. Hankerson also endured reputational and that the university does not comment on pending potential physical harm as students suddenly targeted Mr. Hanlitigation and was not making any comments about the protected kerson as the person who was the cause of the lack of university information of any Howard student. funding to assist students in financial need,” the court documents The court filing is connected to a scandal involving allegstate. edly misappropriated funds at the historically Black university. Hankerson lost a job and has had to see a therapist, the court In their latest report on the alleged financial misdeeds, Howard documents state. He claims his personal and professional reputaofficials said six former employees misappropriated $369,000 tion have been damaged. Hankerson has said he only accepted in financial aid from 2011 to 2016, revealing for the first time financial aid that was offered to him and did not award himself the scope of the scandal that helped ignite more than a week of any funding. student protests. The university has not publicly identified the

defendernetwork.com

U.S.briefs THE NATION’S FIRST BLACK BILLIONAIRE and founder of BET, Robert Johnson, gave Donald Trump supporters something to crow about after he incorrectly credited the president for improving the job outlook for African-Americans. “When you look at African-American unemployment, in over 50 years since the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been keeping the numbers, you’ve never had two things: AfricanAmerican unemployment this low and the spread between unemployment among whites and African-Americans narrowing,” Johnson said. That comment pleased President Trump and warmed the hearts of right-wing conservative media. Johnson, however, failed to note that the Black unemployment rate declined steadily during former President Barack Obama’s presidency. Economists have credited Obama’s financial recovery initiative from the historic recession for declining unemployment……..TARGET SETTLED A RACIAL DISCRIMINATION SUIT over its background check hiring process. The lawsuit highlights the unfair bias against Black job seekers with a criminal record, compared to whites in the same situation. The retailer agreed to pay $3.7 million in the class-action suit, which was brought on behalf of thousands of Black and Latino job applicants denied positions at Target since May 2006. Target routinely rejected job seekers for offenses that were irrelevant to the positions that applicants sought, the suit alleged……..AN ALABAMA TEEN WAS SENTENCED to 65 years in prison for being an accomplice in a crime. Lakeith Smith was 15 when he and a friend were allegedly breaking into houses. The friend, A’Donte Washington, was killed when police arrived. Prosecutors argued the sentence was valid because Smith and Washington burglarizing houses was the criminal act that led to Washington’s death. Smith, who is now 18, was eligible to be charged under the accomplice liability law. In 2016, a grand jury determined that the officer who shot and killed Washington was justified in doing so. That police officer’s identity has not been made public.

Defender News Services

VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 24 APRIL 12, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

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).

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

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 12 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Black Business Day in Austin on April 20 The Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC) will host Black Business Day at the Capitol on Friday, April 20 in Austin. This year’s event will harness the energy of business owners, chamber leaders, elected officials and the Black Press to develop a policy-setting agenda for the upcoming Texas Legislature. “This year we’ve invited The Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the Texas Association of Black City Council Members and the Texas Publishers Association (The Black Press) to join with chambers and business owners,” said TAAAC President Charles O’Neal. “Our goal is to lay the foundation for our legislative Charles O’Neal agenda for the 2019 session. We have worked hard to increase understanding of the connection between legislative policy and economic growth, as well as how public policy determines the distribution of public resources.” TAAACC Chairman Christopher Herring said more than 300 business owners attended last year’s event. “We expect this year’s event will signal a new, broader base of commitment to make the Texas economy work for all businesses. It is critical that we harness the heightened awareness of our political muscle,” Herring said. The day will begin with a welcome at the Texas African American History Memorial on the south lawn of the Capitol grounds prior to the opening ceremony in the Capitol Auditorium. Texas Legislative Black Caucus members expected to attend include State Sens. Royce West and Borris Miles and State Reps. Yvonne Davis, Ron Reynolds, James White, Barbara GervinHawkins, Toni Rose, Nicole Collier, Shawn Thierry and Eric Johnson. “Business owners from across the state are invited to Black Business Day at the Capitol,” Herring said. “This unique opportunity to have our concerns heard at the highest levels of state government and interact directly with officials responsible for business opportunities is unprecedented.” For more information and to register visit www.taaacc.org.

EXTRA 20% OFF SELECT SALE ITEMS EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE BELOW.

5-DAY SPECIALS WED, 4/11–SUN, 4/15

NOW–SUNDAY, APRIL 15

EXTRA

OFF

YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE. USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS IN STORE 4/114/14/2018 UNTIL 2PM; 4/15 UNTIL 3PM. VALID ONLINE 4/11–4/15/2018. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: WKND25 See macys.com/deals for online exclusions SAVINGS OFF SELECT SALE ITEMS IN STORE & SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS ONLINE

EXTRA

OFF

CLOTHING, MEN’S SUIT SEPARATES & SPORT COATS, ACCESSORIES, JEWELRY & HOME ITEMS. EXTRA 15% OFF SHOES FOR HIM, COATS, DRESSES, SUITS FOR HER, LINGERIE & SWIM FOR HER. EXTRA 10% OFF WATCHES. USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR THIS PASS 4/11-4/15/2018. MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: WKND See macys.com/deals for online exclusions SAVINGS OFF SELECT SALE ITEMS IN STORE & SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS ONLINE

EXCLUDES ALL: Bonus Buys, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, lowest prices of the season, Macy’s Backstage, specials, Super Buys, The Market @ Macy’s, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, reg.-priced china/crystal/silver, cosmetics/fragrances, designer handbags/jewelry/watches/shoes/sportswear, electrics/ electronics, furniture/mattresses, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, select licensed depts., previous purchases, men’s & women’s premium denim, restaurants, rugs, services, kids’ shoes, shoes for her, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, special purchases, select tech accessories, toys, select water bottles, American Rug Craftsmen, Anova, Apple Products, Ashley Graham, Avec Les Filles clothing, Barbour, Bow & Drape, Brahmin, Breville, Briggs & Riley, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, COACH, Demeyere, Destination Maternity, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Frye, Global Cutlery, Hanky Panky, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Karastan, kate spade new york apparel/accessories, Kenneth Cole kids’ shoes, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, LEGO, LensCrafters, Levi’s, select Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, Nike on Field, Nike swim, Original Penguin, Panache, Philips, Rimowa, RVCA, Shun, simplehuman bath accessories, Smeg, Spanx, Staub, Stuart Weitzman, Sunglass Hut, S’well, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Teva, Theory, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Uttermost, Vans, Vietri, Vitamix, Wacoal, Waterford, Wolford & Wüsthof; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: Birkenstock, Merrell & Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices. Purchase must be $25 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

N8030008M.indd 1

3/30/18 10:46 AM

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

‘Crossroads’ left mark on local television “We must not take our advancements in any aspect for granted. There have been many sacrifices made from the Civil Rights The long-running television Movement to the Jim Crow era and beyond, program “Crossroads” was in the and we cannot afford to allow the ‘powers spotlight as the Houston Museum that be’ to stifle our progress and achieveof African American Culture ments. We have to continue to tell ‘our (HMAAC) hosted “The Women of story’ and seek other avenues to do so,” Crossroads,” a salute to the show’s Brown said. producers and hosts over its 46Looking forward, Lawson shared year run on KTRK ABC13. advice for those who want to see such The gathering, however, programming continue, including telling turned into more than a celebraAfrican-American stories, not giving up on tion of the past, but a discussion a story until it is told and operating with a on the future of community affairs plan of action to ensure newsrooms find it programming. compelling. On hand for the viewing of “Try sending [your story idea] to the “Crossroads” last episode and newsroom or better yet, to a reporter or subsequent panel discussion were anchor you like to watch. Use social media the show’s original producer, Linda to reach them or to spread the word, so the Linda K. Brown, Melanie Lawson, and Phyllis Bailey celebrated “Crossroads,” which is now off the air. K. Brown, and last host, Melanie media seeks you out,” she added. Lawson said. Lawson. The two shared insights Brown contends that the FCC regulations “There are so many important and fascinating stories and personal stories about their respective “Crossroads” that helped give birth to community-oriented programin our community that never make it on a newscast, for experiences. ming, “Crossroads” included, have become lax in their rea variety of reasons. Community affairs programs can “When I worked at KTRK-TV during the 1970s I quirements, thus demanding more action from the public. provide that outlet.” was the original producer of both programs,” said Brown, “The only way we can successfully salvage the gains Phyllis Bailey, was also at the HMAAC event and referring to “The Show” and “Black Outlook,” shows that within the broadcasting industry is to bring attention on expressed feelings shared by many in attendance regardwere later combined and renamed “Crossroads” by then a broader level about what the current trend has unfortuing the show’s end. host Claudette Sims. nately become, by way of social media campaigns and “For a station like KTRK to end a show after a 50Brown said pressure from media activist Pluria Marother methods of public engagement which they only year run and not announce it to the public is a dissershall Sr. was instrumental in getting local stations to meet respond to because of FCC licensing and ascertainment required FCC public affairs programming and begin creat- vice,” said Bailey. “KTRK moved ‘Crossroads’ around in requirements,” said Brown. so many timeslots I doubt the Black community even reing content geared towards the Black community. Lawson agrees that social media is key for getting loalizes it doesn’t air any longer. All communities of color cal news stations to cover issues relevant to Black people. Lawson enjoyed giving voice to such issues. “While no programming can cover all bases, we were really need to pay attention to these types of moves.” “You no longer have to go through a receptionist or Brown added that the cancellation of “Crossroads” able to talk about important issues, highlight interesting a security guard to talk to your favorite reporter, anchor people and events, and give a wide variety of people in our and other public affairs programming offers important or columnist. Tweet them or go to their Facebook page. lessons. community the chance to talk directly to the audience,” It’s the next best thing to a one-on-one conversation.” By ASWAD WALKER Defender

what’sup “Black Panther” has now surpassed another blockbuster at the box office to take the No. 3 alltime slot. RYAN COOGLER’S fan-fave is still making history nearly two months after it first opened in theaters. The Disney and Marvel superhero movie passed 1997’s “Titanic” to rank as the third top-grossing title of all time at the North American box office behind 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($936.7 million) and 2009’s “Avatar” ($760.5 million), not adjusted for inflation. “Black Panther” has a domestic total of $659.3 million. Globally, the film starring CHADWICK BOSEMAN, LUPITA NYONG’O, MICHAEL B. JORDAN, DANAI GURIRA,

DANIEL KALUUYA, LETITIA WRIGHT, WINSTON DUKE, ANGELA BASSETT and FOREST WHITAKER has grossed $1.29 billion to date.……..CARDI B is expecting. The rapper revealed her baby bump during an appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” which was hosted by Boseman, ending speculation that she and fiancé OFFSET are set to become parents……..Another mommy-to-be is KENYA MOORE. The “Real Housewives” star announced she is pregnant with her first child. She revealed the news on the reality show’s season 10 reunion part one. The news comes just 10 months after her nuptials to Marc Daly……..

Music producer RUSSELL SIMMONS has been accused of sexual misconduct by 16 women. Now the Def Jam Recordings co-founder, Def Comedy Jam creator and Rush Communications CEO is taking legal action against one of his accusers, alleging the woman sent him love messages and unsolicited nude photos both before and after the dates on which she claims the assaults took place. Simmons said aspiring filmmaker Jennifer Jarosik, 37, who came forward in January alleging he raped her, once in 2011 and again in 2016, sent him nudes and romantic texts after both of the alleged attacks, according to claims in court documents.

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

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 12 | 2018 | DEFENDER

health

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

Metabolic syndrome is a health risk BY STEPHEN THOMAS, M.D.

dd a few points to your cholesterol, increase your blood sugar levels a bit, and let out your belt a few notches – no big deal, right? But multiply these numbers by others and you may have an equation for metabolic syndrome, which Stephen Thomas, M.D. can add up to some pretty serious health problems. Metabolic syndrome, sometimes called Syndrome X, isn’t a disease. It’s actually a cluster of risk factors that can raise your chance for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Recent studies indicate metabolic syndrome can double your chances of developing heart disease and increase the likelihood you will develop diabetes fivefold. That combination of signs and symptoms, if left untreated, could result in a considerably shortened life span. And it’s worth noting that nearly a third of American adults now have metabolic syndrome, though most don’t realize it. The syndrome is more common

among women, African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.

Problems can add up

Having even one of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome isn’t ideal, but it takes three or more for an official diagnosis. Your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke increase with the number of risk factors, which include: • Too much weight around the mid-section or an “apple shape” body. • High blood pressure or being on medicine for high blood pressure. • High blood sugar or being on medicine for high blood sugar. • High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) or being on medicine for high triglycerides. • Low good cholesterol (HDL) or being on medicine for low HDL. Certain factors can increase your chances for metabolic syndrome: • Age: As you age, your risk increases. • A family history of metabolic syndrome. • Lack of exercise. • Insulin resistance.

• Obesity (especially belly fat). • Certain other diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Divide and conquer your risks

Your first step is to learn your numbers, then work with your doctor to monitor and improve them. I tell my patients that, though they may need medicine, a major part of their long-term health is in their control. These tried-and-true recommendations can go a long way to making you healthier in general and helping prevent or improve metabolic syndrome: • Eat healthy. Your doctor can help with specific diet recommendations. • Lose some weight. • Exercise and be more active throughout the day. • Stop smoking. Finding out you have metabolic syndrome can be a wake-up call to come up with a better approach for healthy living. Dr. Thomas is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center. For an appointment, call 713-442-0000.

Get KelseyConnected

Healthcare that Revolves Around You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, your entire healthcare team can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for you. Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: n

Locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/locations. 24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse after 5 p.m. and on holidays and weekends.

MyKelseyOnline. Email your doctor’s office, make appointments, refill prescriptions, view test results, and more.

Appointments today! Book a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics appointment online at kelsey-seybold.com/NOW.

24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018

ARE HBCUS IN

Black colleges seek ways to in

lege, Lewis College of Business and St. Paul’s College. Concordia College in Selma will close its doors at the end of the spring Since their inception, historically Black semester. colleges and universities (HBCUs) have Some college finance experts predict educated countless Black doctors, lawyers, that dozens of HBCUs will disappear in the theologians, entrepreneurs, journalists, next 20 years. teachers, entertainer, politicians and other “I use a phrase that got me in trouble. professionals. Noted alumni range from Dr. After seven and a half years in this space and Martin Luther King Jr. to Oprah Winfrey seeing a decline overall, my phrase is, ‘I am to Houston’s own late U.S. Reps. Barbara hopeful, but not optimistic,’ ” said Johnny Jordan and Mickey Leland. Taylor, former president of the Thurgood Yet despite a spike Marshall College Fund, in enrollment at many of which supports public the nation’s 101 accredHBCUs. Taylor believes ited HBCUs eight years as many as one-quarter ago, those numbers of HBCUs will not now appear to be on the survive the next two decline. decades. According to the Overall, Texas National Center of EduHBCUs graduate fewer cation Statistics, HBCU than 30 percent of their enrollment hovers at freshmen within six about 300,000 students years. That is the case nationwide. That number at more than half of rose to about 325,000, HBCUs; the six-year in 2010, the year after graduation rate for all Texas Southern President Austin Lane Barack Obama became U.S. colleges is 59 president. percent. Today, the tide EFFECTS OF seems to be shifting. In INTEGRATION the five years following During segregathat 2010 spike, enrolltion, HBCUs attracted ment declined by 10 the best Black students percent, compared to a 4 in the country. percent drop for all col“HBCUs built the leges during that period, Black middle class,” federal data shows. said Marybeth Gasman, Between 2010 and director of the Center 2015, 20 Black colleges for Minority Serving saw enrollment plummet Institutions at the Uniby more than 25 percent Claflin President Henry Tisdale versity of Pennsylvania. and only 22 Black “Without them, Blacks could not be where colleges saw increases during that time. In they are today.” Texas, enrollment is down at many HBCUs. “For years, [HBCUs] had the pick of Texas Southern University President Dr. the very best and brightest,” added Lance Austin Lane is among the leaders hoping to Mitchell of the National Center of Education reverse that tide. Lane said he wants to expand enrollment to 15,000 students by 2020. Statistics. “At the end of segregation, they had rich histories, and there was a tradition Current enrollment is 10,237 students. Lane plans to forge deeper relationships of students coming to prepare for future success.” with Houston public schools and local comAfter the Civil Rights Movement, durmunity colleges, including Lone Star Coling which HBCU students played a paralege, where as an administrator he played a mount role, many institutions began making pivotal role increasing full-time enrollment. it their mission to serve first-generation At least five HBCUs have closed since and low-income students – like many of the 1988, including Natchez Junior College, descendants of slaves that the schools origiMorristown College, Mary Holmes ColBy RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

nally educated, Mitchell said. “Somehow, we had conceded that we c If HBCUs were founded because Black students compete. We said, ‘Let them get the best an what is remaining.’ ” had no other place to go, they began to suffer when The challenges facing HBCUs are mos white schools started admitting Black students. Predominantly white schools continue to pick off some of at Georgia State University, which is not an Black colleges’ best prospects. graduated more Black Fifty years ago, 90 percent 2017 than any institut of all Black college students nation. • 10 things to know about HBCUs went to Black colleges. Today, Author and Univ www.DefenderNetwork.com 90 percent of Black students are Missouri journalism p at mostly white schools. Stodghill theorized th “HBCUs were caught a 2035 the number of H little off guard by majority instibe down to 35 and on tutions when they integrated, swooped down and took will be thriving.” the cream of the crop and then walked away,” said Some scoff at such dire predictions, bu Claflin University President Henry Tisdale. to find trouble spots.

Online

defendernetwork.com • Serving t

defendernetwork.com

N JEOPARDY?

ncrease enrollment, funding

alumni donate to the school. Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C., appears to be the leader among HBCUS. In 2016, more than 52 percent of its graduates gave donations totaling more than $1 million to the school. The year before, 50 percent gave, but they gave $1.4 million. According to the HBCU Foundation, on average, alumni giving rates are 5 to 7 percent for public and 9 to 11 percent for private HBCUs, compared with the national average of 20 percent.

FUTURE CAN BE BRIGHTER

Shout out your HBCU on

/defendernetwork

couldn’t nd we will take

st noticeable n HBCU. GSA k students in tion in the

versity of professor Ron hat by “the year HBCUs will nly 15 of those

ut it is not hard

FUNDING CUTS, FINANCIAL AID CHANGES

Some students arrive at Black colleges academically or financially unprepared. Even more than 150 years after HBCUs opened, many freshmen are still first-generation college students, and more than 70 percent of students receive some kind of federal financial aid. Poor financial decisions put some HBCUs on the endangered list. Most HBCUs have never had large budgets, and the problem has become worse for many. In recent years: • States have cut funding to three out of four public HBCUs since the recession. Louisiana’s funding to Grambling State University, for example, was cut in half in a recent eight-year stretch.

he Houston area for over 85 years

• The Obama administration tightened credit requirements on federal student loans in 2012. Suddenly, applicants for PLUS loans were turned down by the thousands, taking a deep slice of enrollment out of dozens of HBCUs. After a loud outcry from students, parents, colleges and lawmakers, the changes were rescinded in 2015. • HBCUs have long struggled to attract money from major foundations or donors. Bill and Camille Cosby’s $25 million gift to Spelman in 1988 is still believed to be the largest single donation to an HBCU. HBCUs have also looked inward at another longstanding problem – the lack of alumni support. Barely one in 10 graduates gave money back to their college, U.S. News & World Report reported. At Princeton, the most recent alumni giving rate was more than 60 percent, U.S. News said. At Morehouse, about 20 percent of

Experts say among other things, HBCUs must invest more money in technology to improve the financial aid submission process, a problem that frustrates countless students. Noting that half of all Black college students are taking online courses at community colleges, experts also say HBCUs need to step up with digital course offerings of their own. “We have to ask ourselves what is the future for us?” said Dr. Paul Jones, the president at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Ga. “What is it we have to do to ensure we are around for the next 100 years? We can be in the driver’s seat or the passenger’s seat. I want to be in the driver’s seat to ensure success.” Some institutions are experiencing great growth in securing diverse funding, student enrollment and program offerings. Paul Quinn College (PQC) in Dallas is the first HBCU to be named a “work college” by the U.S. Department of Education. Students can learn new skills and receive coaching and evaluation from experts in their chosen fields. They work 10 to 20 hours a week and employers not only pay students for their work but also help fund tuition. Students incur less debt and improve their educational experience through increased opportunity. Additionally, PQC does not have any institutional debt – the College received a $2.5 million dollar-gift from Trammell S. Crow to satisfy its balances. In Baltimore, Morgan State University President David Wilson attributed his school’s growth to investments in the admissions process and the recruiting of more Latino and international students. A quarter of Morgan State’s students do not identify as Black. Last fall, applications to Morgan State were up 20 percent. The new freshman class of about 1,250 students is the largest in five years. “We have invested equally in ensuring that the nation and prospective students know the value of our programs,” Wilson said.

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

Texas HBCUs uphold rich education tradition Defender News Services

Historically Black colleges and universities in Texas have educated students for more than 145 years. Today, nine HBCUs continue the tradition in the Lone Star State. They include seven private HBCUs and two public HBCUs. All have made an impact in Texas and beyond. Here is a glimpse at them.

HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY • Austin • 1,103 students • President Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette • Roots date back to establishment of Tillotson College (1875) and Samuel Huston College (1876). Two colleges merged in 1952. Officially changed name to Huston-Tillotson University in 2005. •www.htu.edu JARVIS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE • Hawkins • 1,023 students • President Dr. Lester C. Newman • Began as Jarvis Christian Institute in 1913. • www.jarvis.edu PAUL QUINN COLLEGE • Dallas • 519 students • President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell • Oldest Black liberal arts college in Texas. Founded in Austin in 1872 by African Methodist Episcopal Church ministers. Moved to Waco in 1877. Moved to Bishop College’s closed campus in Dallas in 1990. • www.pqc.edu PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY • Prairie View • 9,125 students • President Dr. Ruth J. Simmons • First state-supported college in Texas for

Hispanic-serving institution. • www.alamo.edu/spc/

Blacks. First students enrolled in 1878. After various name changes was changed to current name in 1973. • www.pvamu.edu

TEXAS COLLEGE • Tyler • 989 students • President Dr. Dwight J. Fennell • Founded in 1894. Name changed to Phillips University in 1909 in honor of Bishop Henry Phillips. Officially renamed Texas College in 1912. • www.texascollege.edu

SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE • Terrell • 122 students • President Dr. Ervin D. Seamster Jr. • Founded in 1948. School moved to former site of Texas Military College in Terrell in 1949 and changed to current name. • www.swcc.edu

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY • Houston • 10,237 students • President Dr. Austin A. Lane • Established as Houston Colored Junior College in 1927 and Houston College for Negroes in 1934. Moved from Yates High School to new location in Third Ward in 1946. Became Texas State University for Negroes in 1947. Changed to Texas Southern University in 1951. • www.tsu.edu

ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE • San Antonio • 12,050 students • President Dr. Adena Williams Loston • Founded in 1898. Became affiliated with San Antonio College and San Antonio ISD in 1942. One of oldest community colleges in nation and only college designated as HBCU and

WILEY COLLEGE • Marshall • 1,323 students • President Dr. Haywood Strickland • Founded in 1873. First Black college west of Mississippi River. Changed name from Wiley University in 1929. • www.wileyc.edu

Sources: HBCUs, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 12 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Defender Experience debuts Prom Edition Defender News Services The Defender is excited to announce the unveiling of the Defender Experience: PROM Edition. The PROM Edition is the first in a series of events the Defender will sponsor in 2018 for our audience. A special prom night with all the trimmings will be awarded to a graduating senior from the Houston area, who might not have an opportunity to attend prom due to obstacles out of the family’s control. The originator of the event was Defender Strategic Alliance Manager Clyde Jiles. “The purpose of the Defender Experience is to give back to our audience and let them know how appreciative we are for their support. We cherish our audience and we believe it is essential to show it,” Jiles said. Capturing the motivation behind the PROM Edition of the Defender Experience, Defender Engagement Manager Margo Hubbard said, “Hurricane Harvey left a lot of families

displaced and with depleted resources. Our objective with the PROM Edition is to help students, who didn’t think it was possible due to Harvey or other challenges, to have the prom of their dreams.” One of the Defender partners on the PROM Edition is Taylor Elite Transportation, which will provide the SUV limo service. Owner

TOUCH is now enrolling for the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program! If you live in or near Greater Third Ward and you have prediabetes, diabetes runs in your family, a BMI of 25 or higher or your Hemoglobin A1c is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you may qualify for this free diabetes prevention program. All who qualify and enroll receive 25 sessions with a healthy lifestyle coach and a FREE, one-year family membership to the YMCA! out if you qualify, or information on how/where to get screened: Visit: https://touch.healthuh.com/dpp Email: diabetes.prevention@ymcahouston.org Call: 713.743.3021

TOUCH: @HRITOUCH | https://TOUCH.HEALTHuh.com HRI: @HEALTHuh | https://www.uh.edu/health-research

TREATING OBESITY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN HOUSTON

Paulette Taylor explained why their company got involved. “Taylor Elite Transportation is participating in the prom promotion because we are dedicated to not only providing the best in transportation services but to give back to our community and give back to those who make us possible,” Taylor said. “We take an interest in who our clients are and all the communities that we serve. Our mission is to help, give and support by volunteering, providing and assisting those in need.” In addition to the SUV limo service, the PROM Edition winner’s package includes star treatment with dinner for four at one of Houston’s top restaurants, a prom night video, photos and an evening to remember “where you are the star.” Enter now through Sunday, April 15 by completing the entry form and tell us why you and your friends should win the Defender Experience: PROM Edition in 250 words or less. The winner will be announced Thursday, April 19. To sign up for the Defender Experience: PROM Edition go to: bit.ly/promedition

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

Photos reveal Black Depression-era camps Associated Press

A striking, sepia-toned picture recently acquired by the University of Michigan jumps out from the past and begs to tell a story: A man dressed in a heavy coat and hat is as big as the cabin door whose knob he is reaching to turn and enter. The picture is labeled simply, “Big Jim.” The rare photo is among 30 acquired by the Bentley Historical Library last year from a private donor that capture a place and time often overlooked by history: Black Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in Michigan and elsewhere during the Great Depression. The photos are the only known images of the state’s segregated, all-Black camps. President Franklin Roosevelt established the corps in the early 1930s, offering shelter, clothing, food and wages to a “vast army” of unemployed men who worked to conserve and restore national resources. As the people and stories behind the pictures are increasingly lost to time, the university posted them online and launched a public call for information. So far, Big Jim’s story is the only one that’s been filled in, thanks to people who knew him and responded: He was James Richardson, a quiet, strong, hardworking rural Michigan farmer who served in World War I and went on to join the CCC. For the archivists, it represents delayed but welcome recognition for the contributions of workers who faced discrimination and marginalization during a dark economic era. “What I liked about the photographs is they show that these young guys were doing work on parks, trails, out in the woods — way away from their homes,” said Morris Thomas, who as a child knew Richardson and identified him for Michigan researchers after seeing his image in a state history magazine. “It is something unique; there aren’t that many photos available.” Eighty-five years after the Civilian Conservation Corps’ creation, any cache of this kind is a boon to historians. Photographs from designated Black camps are far less common than from white camps. Thomas, now 75, said his family also had photos of an uncle who worked in a Black camp but laments, “Now we can’t find them.” Despite the legacy of segregation, the photos and stories they conjure reveal elements of unexpected egalitarianism and advancement. “That was a tremendous thing for Black people,” said Thomas’ cousin Frank Thomas, who as a boy often spent time with Richardson and neighborhood friends. “There were really no jobs for Black people at that time, only menial jobs. All those guys got a chance to…show people they can work and In a photo provided by the Bentley Historical Library, James “Big Jim” can do anything anybody else can do.” Richardson is photographed outside a CCC camps initially were integrated, according to the cabin in Michigan in 1936. Credit: Bentley university, but became segregated by 1935 amid community Historical Society protests. Out of Michigan’s roughly 150 camps, some 16 were designated for Black men. Black membership was capped at 10 percent of the overall corps, which numbered around 3 million over the course of the program. The Michigan History Center says the state’s Black camps helped build a ski area and contributed to efforts to plant millions of trees, fight forest fires, construct bridges and buildings A view of tents and cabins of Free Soil camp is seen in an undated photo. and establish public campgrounds.

Unidentified Civilian Conservation Corps members are seen in a photo.

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 12 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Williams sisters join King for equal pay push Associated Press

A day before playing in the 2005 final at the All England Club, Venus Williams addressed a meeting of the Grand Slam Board, urging Wimbledon and the French Open to offer equal pay to male and female players. “I said: ‘All of our hearts beat the same. When your eyes are closed, you really can’t tell, next to you, who’s a man and who’s a woman.’ And [I asked them] to think about their daughters and their wives and sisters. How would they like them to be treated?” Williams recalled. The following afternoon, she won one of her seven major singles championships. About 1½ years later, Wimbledon announced it would, indeed, offer the same prize money to men and women in all rounds of the tournament, and the French Open soon followed suit, eliminating the pay gap at the four majors. Now, Williams and her sister,

Serena, are adding their names and voices to the push for equal pay across all types of jobs that the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative (BJKLI) is championing. The two current tennis stars are joining the advisory board of the group founded by the former player, and the announcement was timed to coincide with Equal Pay Day. “Venus, in particular, helped us get equal prize money in the majors. She was amazing. She really got Wimbledon to make the big step,” King said. “Venus has always had the courage to step up. And Serena’s the same way. They’ve been through a lot themselves, so they totally understand what’s going on. “The two of them have transcended sports. The BJKLI is not about sports. It’s about every industry. To try to get equal pay for equal work, and that means across the board, from CEOs down to entry level.”

classifieds

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS HISD BELLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL REBUILD Phase I Package 5100 MAPLE ST BELLAIRE, TX 77401 Turner Construction Company is the Construction Manager for the HISD Bellaire High School Rebuild Project. You are invited to submit your Lump Sum Proposal (LSP) for all labor, material, equipment, taxes, and other necessary items to complete the work in your trade for this project. The LSP’s are to be in strict accordance with the Plans and Project Manual prepared by PBK.

Getting

The Phase I Work for this Project is defined in the Contract Documents and consists but is not limited to the following: new underground storm water detention system and associated storm water collecting system, new permanent electrical service and backfeed of existing building, new service yard pad, new utility services for the future building, rerouting of existing sanitary and water services for the existing science building, relocate existing chiller serving existing science building, install temporary boilers to serve the existing central plant during construction, installation of temporary parking area, installation of new concrete bus loop drive, demolition of a portion of existing buildings, selective demolition and installation of temporary portable classroom buildings. All Work must be performed and coordinated through Turner in strict accordance with Bellaire City and Houston Independent School District requirements, the Project Schedule, this RFP and the Contract Documents. In the event of a conflict, the most stringent requirement will prevail. This proposal shall be in strict accordance with the Packages contained herein, this RFP and the Contract Documents. However, cost saving suggestions are acceptable and encouraged and are to be submitted as voluntary alternates to the base plans and specifications. Proposals are to be in strict accordance with the Request For Proposal Manual and contract documents. Please refer to the Request For Proposal Manual for Instructions to Bidders, Insurance requirements, Proposal Forms, etc.

Started Safely

Proposal documents may be downloaded from BuildingConnected. Contact Toni Cromer. 713 -358-8220 tcromer@tcco.com for access to Turner’s Building Connected site. All Subcontractors must complete Turner Construction qualifications. Please reference RFP for Pre-Qual Instructions.

Call 811 before you dig.

There will be one Pre-Proposal Meetings based on the scope of work we are bidding in this GMP Phase I. The Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held at the Turner Office.

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.

Phase I – Temp Parking & Site Detention – April 24, 2018 / 10:00am / Turner Office: 4263 Dacoma St, Houston, TX 77092 (Training Room) RFI’s must be submitted on the RFI Form located in the RFI folder (in BuildingConnected) on or before 12:00pm April 25, 2018. Proposals are to be submitted to tcromer@tcco.com or through BuildingConnected before 2:00 PM Tuesday May 1, 2018. They may also be submitted to Turner Construction Company, 4263 Dacoma St. Houston, TX 77092, Attention: Toni Cromer., or faxed to 713.840.8365. Turner Construction Company reserves the right to utilize the following evaluation criteria when reviewing the bids that are submitted: A) Subcontractor’s experience | B) Manpower | C) Equipment

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

D) Financial capability/performance history/litigation history | E) Price F) Ability to meet the construction schedule | G) Project Approach | H) Safety record

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

I) MWBE Plan, refer to Section 16 in RFP

CENT-0450_2018_Spring_Gas_Safety_Texas_4-79x6-5.indd 1

Venus and Serena Williams played in a 2009 exhibition tournament named for Billie Jean King (center).

3/26/18 9:30 AM

The bid will be awarded to the subcontractor which is determined to be qualified under the evaluation criteria mentioned above and based upon the Scoring Criteria & Subcontractor Selection Sheet in Section 1 Instruction to Bidders. Turner Construction Company may have discussions with qualified subcontractors to clarify the bid that has been submitted and to assure full understanding of and responsiveness to the bid solicitation. Turner Construction Company may negotiate with subcontractors that have been determined to be qualified in order to obtain a final and best offer. However, negotiations shall not alter the original scope of work as defined in the contractor’s original bid documents as provided by Turner Construction Company. Turner Construction Company will select the subcontractor which is determined to be the most advantageous to the successful completion of the Project based upon the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 1 Instruction to Bidders and need not necessarily accept the lowest subcontractor. The subcontractor whose proposal is determined to be the most advantages to the successful, timely and efficient completion of the Project, taking into account the evaluation factors, shall be selected. Upon selection of a subcontractor, the subcontractor will be required to sign the contractor’s standard subcontract agreement.

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018

sports

defendernetwork.com

Coach Kelvin Sampson was named American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

The future looks bright for Houston Cougar basketball By MAX EDISON Defender

It’s been a long time coming, but it appears University of Houston basketball has finally made a comeback. The Cougars helped usher in the golden age of modern college basketball in the late ‘60s with the “game of the century” between Elvin Hayes’ Cougars vs. Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and the UCLA Bruins in the Astrodome in 1968. The program also dominated in the ‘80’s, going to three consecutive Final Fours and back- to-back Finals appearances. They also gave college basketball its most elite fraternity ever, Phi Slama Jama. Things are trending up for Cougar basketball. They finished the 2017-18 season tied for second with Wichita State in the tough American Athletic Conference. They finished the season with a 27-8 overall record, 14-4 in conference play. They were a perfect 15-0 at home. The Cougars received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament and earned their first tournament victory since 1984 in a thrilling 67-65 win over San Diego State. They fell just a buzzerbeater short from advancing to the Sweet 16 in a loss to eventual NCAA national championship game finalist Michigan. Nationally they finished 21st The UH basketball team was 15-0 at home and won in the final Associated Press poll a game in the NCAA tournament. and 22nd in the final USA Today coaches’ poll. It marked the first I conferences: American Athletic, time since 1984 that the Cougars ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten and finished a season ranked among SEC. the top 25 in a national poll and If that wasn’t enough for Couwas only the 10th time in school gar hoop fans to get excited about, history. we’ve saved the best for last. BeginNow in his fourth season as ning with the 2018 season the team head coach, Kelvin Sampson has will be make its debut in the Fertitta the program headed in the right Center, the $60 million arena named direction. Because of the Couafter Tillman Fertitta, chair of the gars’ success Sampson was recThe Fertitta Center, formerly known as Hofheinz Pavilion, will open later UH Board of Regents and Rockets’ ognized as the American Athletic this year. owner. Conference Coach of the Year. The new playpen will be a Jordan Brand roster. Coming off With that announcement, he collected the fifth conference totally renovated Hofheinz PavilThe Jumpman logo the Cougars’ 20th appearance in Coach of the Year award from the fourth different league durwill be featured on the ion with state-of-the-art amenities the NCAA tournament, the team’s team’s uniforms. ing his career. He was previously honored as the Coach of the that will please fans and potential uniforms will now feature the JumpYear in 1995 (Big Eight, Oklahoma), 1991 (PAC-10, Washrecruits. man logo for the 2018-19 season, ington State) and 1984-1985 “What’s the first thing you show [a recruit]? You show and the men will be outfitted in (Frontier, Montana Tech). the arena he’s going to play in,” Sampson said. “With the Ferthe latest Jordan Brand perforAs further proof that the titta Center we can’t wait. Matter of fact, we may be opening mance footwear. Cougar program is trending Bob McNair’s comments had negative their car door before if stops to put them in there as quickly With the addition of the upward nationally, the team impact on Andre Johnson Cougars, Jordan Brand now has as we can. Now we can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the recently became the latest giants and expect to compete.” presence in six NCAA Division member of the exclusive

defendernetwork.com

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

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Stars shine at HISD district track meet By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Three bonafide stars emerged at the 2018 HISD district track and field meet held at Barnett Stadium. North Forest High School sophomore and three-sport standout Demond Demas, who is so highly coveted that University of Alabama head football coach Lou Saban was on campus visiting Demas and offensive lineman Javonne Shepherd recently, won five gold medals. Demas won the District 24-4A boys’ 100-meter dash in a time of 11.26 seconds. He won the high jump at an even six feet. He doesn’t even particularly like the long jump, yet won the competition with a personal record effort of 23 feet, six inches. Demond The North Forest 4x200 Demas, (Damon Wiggins, Frederick Whitaker, North Forest Darius Craft/ 1:30.61) and 4x400 (Craft, Whitaker, Dexter Williams/3:37.40) Ally Henson, Yates/ HSPVA meter relays each won gold medals with Demas aboard. “We have a glorious Standout junior hurdler team. Whatever my coach wants me to do, I’ll do,” Ally Henson attends the Demas said. High School for Performing “I love my school, I love my family and I and Visual Arts (HSPVA) love my teammates. Now it’s on to Huntsville for but competes for Jack Yates the regional meet,” Demas added. High School. Henson finWaltrip High School sprinter Amber Johnson ished fifth at the state meet a won gold medals in both the 100- and 200-meter year ago and is striving for a dashes. However, the senior feels she still has return appearance. some improvements to make heading into the area Henson was the class of meet. the field in both the 100-me“I felt like I could have run better in the 100 ter hurdles (14.72 seconds) (12.64 seconds). I’ve been working on coming out and the 300-meter hurdles of the blocks and I’ve still got some work to do (48.04) in the 24-4A district going into the next meet,” she said. meet. Teammate Ayanna Fletcher, a ninth grader, Amber Johnson, Waltrip “I felt like my 300 placed second in the 100-meter dash with a time of hurdles was better than my 13.29 seconds. 100 hurdles today but my favorite race is actually the 100-meter “In the 200 I needed to keep my head down at least through hurdles,” Henson said. the first 50 meters just to get on a good pace and carry myself With a 2018 personal-best time of 13.9 seconds in the in the back stretch,” said Johnson, who crossed the finish line in 100-meter hurdles, Henson is currently ranked No. 1 in the state 26.14 seconds. among Class 4A competitors. Her PR in the 300-meter hurdles is Johnson is coming off a hamstring injury that she suffered currently 46 seconds. during the recent Texas Southern Relays. Johnson’s mother (Yvette “I love theatre and I love track,” she said. Cole)) was a 400-meter Southwestern Athletic Conference chamHenson is a Capricorn who was born on Dec. 24, 2000. She pion at Texas Southern University in the 1990s. loves math and is considering accounting as a college major. If she Amber is leaning toward following in her mother’s footsteps could solve a world problem it would be hunger and her favorite at TSU next year. She’s also considering Chicago State. food is macaroni and cheese.

APRIL 12 | 2018 | DEFENDER

sportsbriefs PVAMU athletes ranked Members of the Prairie View A&M University track continue to be ranked in the nation. Senior Deonca Bookman still sits atop in the nation in the 400m hurdles with a time of 56.78 that is third best. Junior Nekiesha Bailey is currently sitting at eighth in the high jump with a 5’10.75 mark. The men’s 4x100 team is 43rd with a time of 40.15, while the 4x400 is currently 38th in the nation with a 3:09.95 time. The Panthers will compete at the Fred Duckett Twilight Invitational hosted by Rice University on April 21. It will be the Panthers’ final tune-up before hosting the 2018 SWAC Outdoor Meet on May 4-6 on the PVAMU campus.

Birdsong selected to hall University of Houston legend Otis Birdsong will become one of the newest members of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame when he is formally enshrined in November. From 1973 to 1977, Birdsong was one of the nation’s elite college basketball stars. He amassed 2,832 points during his career, a total which ranks second in Houston history and continues to rank 15th in NCAA history. The Winter Haven, Fla., native continues to rank third in Houston history in steals and eighth in assists and became the first player in school history to top the 1,000-Point milestone as a sophomore. Birdsong became the third Cougar to earn membership in the hall of fame, joining Elvin Hayes (2013) and coach Guy Lewis (2007).

Yates girls prevail With gold medal efforts in the 100-meter, 200-meters, both hurdle races, high jump and 4x100 meter relay, the Jack Yates High School girls’ track and field team won the District 244A team title with 169 points to outdistance Booker T. Washington (128). Junior Jordachea Guillory won gold in the 100-meter dash (13.39 seconds), high jump (4-6.00) and ran the scratch leg (opening) on the 4x100 meter relay (50.30 seconds). Guillory was joined by Laurryn McMiller, Datavia Hanagen and Ally Henson. Hanagen won the 200-meter dash in 27.94 seconds. Henson claimed both the 100-meter hurdles (14.72) and 300-meter hurdles (48.04) crowns. Sophomore Ja’coreia Thompson won the 800-meter run with a time of 2:48.46. The Yates girls also placed second in the mile relay (4:41.41).

Austin, Sterling win The Austin High boys and Sterling High girls refused to be denied a championship trophy at the HISD district track and field meet. Both were crowned District 24-5A team titlists. Malik Hornsby, the Austin quarterback, completed a rare individual double with gold medals in the 100-meter dash (11.21) and the discus (116-00). Hornsby was also second in the 200-meter dash (22.76). Israel Castillo placed first in the mile run (5:08.12) and second in the two-mile run (11:21.80). Austin placed third in two relays (4x200, 4x400) to amass 167 points. The Sterling girls were led by Jontriese Nelson, who won the shot put (32-00.50) and discus (92-10), along with freshman Miracle Noel, who placed first in the 100 hurdles (18.02) and medaled in three other events to earn 135 team points.

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

DEFENDER | APRIL 12 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

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

topevents

WOMEN OF CROSSROADS…….The Houston Museum of African Courtnee Davis, Felicia and Kwame Perry, Charles Williams, John and Allyson American Culture (HMAAC) hosted “The Women of Crossroads,” a salute Bullock, Manzi Closet, Hannah Ephraim, Rosie Phillips, Danielle Smith, Maddie to the show’s producers and hosts over its 46-year run on KTRK ABC13. Reece, Madame Joli, Nadia Ahmed, Mychal Williams, Taylor Harris, Constance The gathering, which featured an airing of “Crossroads” last episode, also saw those Igwala, Marc Furi, Bwagilu, and many more………STATE OF BLACK WOMEN gathered discussing the future of community affairs programming. The show’s original IN AMERICA……..Texas Southern University’s College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral producer Linda K. Brown and its last host Melanie Lawson were on hand to share their Sciences hosted the State of Black Women in America touching on a myriad of issues “Crossroads” experiences. Other attendees included HMAAC director that reflect Black women’s holistic well-being. Event coordinator John Guess Jr., Phyllis Bailey, Ronald Green, Tasha Brumfield, Carla Brailey facilitated a panel discussion that addressed Defender TOP EVENTS Dr. Lorenzo Butler, Dianca Chase, Candice Mitchell, Jewel Sims, pay equity, the #MeToo movement, parenting, entrepreneurship, More photos on defendernetwork.com Trish Henderson, Chantea Warner, Terry Moore, Linda Lang faith, and more, and featured panelists attorney Cha’mira Keener, Yates and others………BLCK MARKET HOUSTON……..The HISD Trustee Jolanda Jones, Dr. Tomiko Meeks, psychologist Dr. group Blck Box Studios hosted its monthly Blck Market Houston at the HMAAC. The Alauna Curry, Dr. Michon Benson-Marsh, and Kandice Webber, organizer of the monthly first-Friday event offers participants emerging, innovative, ground breaking artists recent March for Black Women. Attendees included Nile Stribling, LaToya merged with progressive “out of the box” companies to create a platform for discovery, Akinyosoye, Dr. Kristopher Chrishon, Katrina Bowman, Reginald pleasure, and entertainment. The overflow crowd featured businesses, food trucks, DJs and Christy, Shanice Walker, Abidemi Omoloja, Judge Fredericka Phillips good vibes. Attendees included Toneka Carbon, Andonnnia Maiben, Ashton Roberts, and others.

Linda K. Brown, Melanie Lawson

Tasha Brumfield, Richard Chappell, Elizabeth Brumfield

Rosie Phillips, Tim Martin, Kaamil Johnson

Courtnee Davis, Taylor Harris

Dr. Tomiko Meeks, Dr. Michon Benson-Marsh, Cha’Mira Keener

Abidemi Omoloja, Dr. Carla Brailey, Shanice Walker

Ronald Green, Telisha Gage

Toneka Carbon, Andonnnia Maiben

Durmerrick Ross, Kiara Chatman, Angelica Olunkwa

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