Houston Defender: April 14, 2016

BELLAIRE’S CHELSEA BAXTER LEADS SOFTBALL CLASS OF 2017 P15

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NATIONAL SONIA SOTOMAYOR calls for court diversity

P3 OBITUARY AL HENRY remembered for community service

P6 SPORTS KOBE BRYANT says goodbye to Houston

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Volume 85 | Number 24 APRIL 14, 2016 | FREE

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P14 TOP EVENTS

Ice Cube in ‘Barbershop’

Joanna Walker, KTSU’s Ernest Walker and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee at meet and greet for Walker

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Actor, rapper and producer Ice Cube is back in another “Barbershop” sequel. This time he stars in “Barbershop: The Next Cut,” the third installment of the film. See what attracted him to the sequel. Find out who co-stars in the latest film.

Dr. Desiree Thomas talks migraines Houston neurologist Desiree Thomas, M.D. is shedding light on migraine headaches. Read the startling statistics. Discover why African-American women should be concerned. Learn about the symptoms and the four phases of a migraine.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

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Summer youth jobs program kicks off With several community partners and hour. students at his side, Mayor Sylvester Turner “Summer employment provides young kicked off Hire Houston Youth, his new people with an opportunity to gain workinitiative to provide summer internships and force readiness skills, engages them in posijobs to youth ages 16 to 24. tive activities during the summer, and links The mayor is helping to jump start the them to long-term career opportunities,” program with a guarantee of 450 jobs at Turner said.

City Hall, city parks and libraries, and other “An able and ready workforce is also facilities. He is issuing a call to action to critical in ensuring a robust economic future the local business community to join what for our city. I am committed to providing summer jobs for our young people who live the city is doing. in the city. I am calling on our corporate The application period for Hire HousMayor Sylvester Turner partners and community organizations to ton Youth opens April 18 and closes May work together with the City of Houston to Hire Hous6. Applicants will attend workforce readiness training ton’s Youth.” one week prior to their start date. They will also receive According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career coaching and other benefits to prepare them for the future. Once on the job, they will work from 32-40 less than a third of American teenagers held a job last hours a week for seven weeks and be paid at least $8 an summer, and their participation in the workforce is at a

historic low. For at-risk youth, having a meaningful job – even for the summer – decreases their likelihood of dropping out of school.

Businesses can help 1. Hire and pay the salary of a Hire Houston Youth applicant and pledge $500 to support the program.

2. Pledge $3,000 to sponsor a youth’s salary and other training and benefits.

3. Support the initiative with a tax deductible donation through the website at www.hirehoustonyouth.org.

HISD breaks ground on Booker T. Washington HS HISD recently broke ground to start construction of the new Booker T. Washington High School. Washington will receive a $51.7 million facility to accommodate 1,100 to 1,300 students interested in engineering professions.

The new campus will showcase the school’s engineering program, with 21st century technology and flexible learning spaces to support project-based learning and encourage collaboration. The project is on track for occupancy in January 2018.

Washington was constructed in 1958

in the northwest part of Houston.

HISD also broke ground on the new Parker Elementary School. The existing 55-year-old building will be replaced with a new $29.4 million campus to accommodate 850 students. The 110,000-square-foot facility is designed to house the school’s award-winning music magnet program. The project is on track for occupancy for the start of the 20172018 school year.

Both schools are a part of the district’s $1.89 billion bond program to build or renovate 40 schools.

Staff, students and community members attended the groundbreaking for the new Booker T. Washington High School.

localbriefs THE MOTHER OF A 4-YEAR-OLD who suffered severe brain damage in January during a visit to a Houston dentist’s office wants the dentist arrested. Courissa Clark, the mother of Nevaeh Hall, met with an investigator with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and made a formal complaint. The dentist, Dr. Bethaniel Jefferson, is accused of waiting more than four hours before calling 911 for help after Neveah suffered severe oxygen loss causing loss of brain function. She was reportedly restrained in a device during the procedure that left her severely brain damaged.

“This horrible story is another example of the

traumatic damage being done to families all across the country by bad dentists,” said Jim Moriarty, the attorney for Neveah’s family. “Dr. Jefferson’s negligence guarantees Neveah to a very difficult life and her family to a lifetime nightmare. This dentist should face criminal charges,” he said… …..A NEWLY-REVISED VIDEO about racial bias in a death penalty case was recently released by attorneys for Black Texas death row prisoner Duane Buck. He was sentenced to death after his own lawyer introduced “expert” testimony and an “expert” report stating that Buck was more likely to be dangerous in the future because he is Black. His

case, Buck v. Stephens, is now on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and is expected to be conferenced on April 22. “This case offers the Supreme Court a critically important opportunity to reaffirm the fundamental principle that racial bias has no place in the administration of criminal justice,” said Christina Swarns, director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and counsel of record for petitioner in Buck v. Stephens.

The 10-minute version of “A Broken Promise in Texas: Race, the Death Penalty and the Duane Buck Case” can be accessed at https://youtu.be/ TzjVcuKKqZY.

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APRIL 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA will address graduating seniors at ceremonies in April, May and June in what will be her final commencement remarks as first lady. She chose to make her final addresses at schools which both serve diverse populations and highlight her Reach Higher initiative. Reach Higher seeks to inspire young Americans to pursue their education past high school and provides tools and resources to support those efforts. On April 23, Mrs. Obama will address approximately 1,000 graduates of Jackson State University, an HBCU located in Jackson, Miss. “I believe that education is the single most important civil rights issue that we face today,” she said……..

THE WORLD’S OLDER POPULATION continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.

Today, 8.5 percent of people worldwide (617 million) are aged 65 and over. According to a new report commissioned by the National Institute on Aging, this percentage is projected to jump to nearly 17 percent of the world’s population by 2050 (1.6 billion). America’s 65-and-over population is projected to nearly double over the next three decades, from 48 million to 88 million by 2050……..THE GEORGIA NAACP condemned Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp for an “effort to disenfranchise Democratic voters of color.”

Kemp’s office, which maintains the official records used by political parties to qualify candidates, reported its records wrongly stated the district residency of James Williams, an incumbent state lawmaker running for reelection. The mix-up could disqualify Williams from the race, and the timing is being called suspicious. Francys Johnson, the Georgia NAACP president, said, “Now, in one of his more naked partisan machinations, [Kemp] is keeping an African-American candidate from qualifying to run for office in the sneakiest and most underhanded way possible. It is time for Georgians to hold him accountable, and ask why he still has a job.”

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 24 APRIL 14, 2016

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

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

Contributing writers Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon

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Carson doesn’t want role in GOP administration Carson said. “I want no constraints on what I want to do.”

Former Republican Carson has endorsed presidential candidate Dr. billionaire businessman Ben Carson said that he is Donald Trump for president not actively seeking to be and said Blacks should supon his party’s ticket as a port him as well. vice presidential hope“I talked in depth with ful and isn’t interested him and with some of his in serving in the cabinet Black employees and they in a possible Republican love him,” Carson said. administration.

Carson said he also is supCarson spoke with porting Trump, “because the reporters, publishers political establishment is and staff members of trying to stop him just like the National Newspaper they tried to stop me.”

Publishers Association, He said that Ohio Gov. the trade association for John Kasich can’t win and Black newspapers, on U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texa conference call. Caras) was too polarizing to beat son was clear about his Democratic frontrunner fordecision to abstain from a mer Secretary of State Hillvice presidential candiary Rodham Clinton in the dacy.

November general election.

“I would prefer not He said his party should conto be on the ticket as vice tinue to reach out to Blacks president,” he said. “I Dr. Ben Carson said that he wants to maintain his and that they should not be want to be able to mainindependence and is not interested in another role intimidated by acts of voter tain my independence.” should a Republican win the presidency. suppression and register to Carson said he vote as soon as possible. wanted to utilize his “There is a way around that,” Carson said. “I national platform to talk about the issues that he can come up with a solution to any [voter supprescares about. He said he isn’t seeking a Cabinet sion] problem.” position, with many speculating that he could be Carson, who at one point was a GOP frontruna future Health and Human Service secretary in a ner, dropped out of the race after a string of disapGOP administration. pointing finishes on Super Tuesday.

“I have no desire for a position or a title,” Special to the Afro

Sotomayor says diversity needed on Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the Supreme Court needs more diversity in terms of experience and backgrounds. Speaking at Brooklyn Law School, Sotomayor noted the high court’s current makeup.

“I, for one, do think there is a disadvantage from having [five] Catholics, three Jews, everyone from an Ivy League school,” she said. “And virtually everyone [is] from New York…There is no criminal defense lawyer on the court.”

In answer to questions submitted by law students, Sotomayor said she felt that varied backgrounds help justices “educate each other to be better listeners and better thinkers because we understand things from

experience.”

Sotomayor, who is the first Hispanic justice, did not mention President Obama’s nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February. Garland would not add racial, educational or religious diversity to the Supreme Court.

Obama nominated Sotomayor to the Supreme Court in 2009. She was born in Bronx, N.Y. to a Puerto Rican family and grew up in a public housing project. She earned a B.A. from Princeton University and J.D. from Yale Law School. She began her legal career as an assistant district attorney in New York.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

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Former surgeon general wants healthcare equity TriceEdneyWire.com

Members of the TIRR Memorial Hermann Adult Hotwheels basketball team won a national title.

TIRR wheelchair team wins No. 1 The TIRR Memorial Hermann Adult Hotwheels basketball team is the national champion of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s Division III. The adult Hotwheels defeated the Fort Lauderdale Sharks 60-33 to claim the title in Louisville, Ky. “This is a great win for our adult Hotwheels and a real testimony to all the hard work they’ve put in this season after finishing sixth at last year’s national tournament,” said Ava Skrabanek, coordinator, adaptive sports program, TIRR Memorial Hermann.

The team arrived at the championship tournament as the No. 1 seed in their division and defeated teams from four states to

earn the title. This is the first national championship for the adult Hotwheels.

The TIRR Memorial Hermann Junior Hotwheels fell a few points short of defending their title. Junior Hotwheels head coach Trice Ham was named Coach of the Year.

The adult and junior Hotwheels basketball teams are part of the adaptive sports program at TIRR Memorial Hermann, which works to change lives by improving outcomes, offering hope and maximizing independence for people affected by disabling injury or illness. For more information call 713-797-5928.

Leadership and equity are two important elements that must be in place if any serious dent is going to be made in health disparities, the 16th surgeon general of the United States told an audience at Florida State University’s College of Medicine.

Dr. David Satcher, who overcame a case of whopping cough as a child to become a renowned physician, beseeched his audience to get involved in the mission that he’s undertaken for several years.

“We need leaders who know enough, who will do enough and who will persist in doing a good job,” Satcher said. “I hope some of you will answer that call.”

Satcher made the case for eliminating health disparities by pointing to several studies. In one of his studies, he found that in 2000 there could have been 83,500 fewer Black deaths if the playing field was even for all races. Breaking down the same study, he said that diabetes would not have claimed 22,000 Blacks without the disparity gap that exists.

He suggested that if more doctors were involved in public healthcare the vast difference would be less. More leadership from elected officials and clergy would also help, he said.

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APRIL 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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Tax time offers obstacles and opportunity

By RICHARD SIMONDS

Houston is, according to many rankings, one of the most livable cities in America. And while there’s no doubt that the coming year will be more financially challenging for many of us, people are still flocking to our area.

In fact, according to Forbes, we’re still in the top three cities in the amount of construction occurring. The cost of living, on average, continues to be lower than in the rest of the country.

With that said, the sad truth is that there are more than 183,000 working Houstonians living below the poverty line. As the director of Financial Stability at Family Houston, I’ve met hundreds of people working extremely hard – sometimes taking on two or three jobs – to make ends meet every day. Goals such as owning a home, going to college or starting a business can seem hopelessly out of reach for these individuals.

Tax time provides Houston’s working poor with a rare opportunity. For most, the tax refund is the biggest one-time influx of money they’ll receive all year. On average, they receive at least $2,000 from the Earned Income Tax Credit.

But these folks can easily fall prey to pop-

up commercial tax preparers that emerge every year to take advantage of those who are not financially savvy. Anyone who obtains a preparer tax identification number is able charge for tax preparation with little to no oversight.

Paid tax preparers’ fees can have a huge impact on low-income families. They charge between $185 and $250 for a simple return.

I’ve seen even higher fees for those that receive

higher refunds, up to 25 percent.

Family Houston and other social service agencies strive to help people avoid tax prep fees on their way to becoming financially stable and self-sufficient.

With the support of the United Way’s financial stability initiative, THRIVE, we are able to offer one-on-one financial coaching free of charge.

Coaches and their clients work together to create plans for organizing finances, reducing debt and building savings to achieve long-term financial goals.

We helped 7,942 people in 2015, 75 percent of which increased their positive disposable income.

Family Houston – along with partners such as Neighborhood Centers and the United Way – is working to empower low-income Houstonians with financial knowledge, tools and opportunities.

These are hardworking individuals who want and deserve a better life for themselves and their families. By helping those in need get the resources and knowledge available to them, we are a stronger more productive community.

For more information visit www.familyhouston.org.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

Alvin “Al” Henry remembered Alvin “Al” Henry, the former president and CEO of Neighborhood Centers and a dedicated Texas Southern University alumnus, died on April 6.

According to Neighborhood Centers, Henry took the non-profit to new levels of excellence.

“He ensured we were well-positioned to take advantage of increased federal support for childcare, which helped Neighborhood Centers grow from an $8 million annual budget when he arrived to $48 million when he left,” said a spokesperson.

Henry was born in 1934 and grew up in Fifth Ward. He graduated with honors from Wheatley High School. He studied at Howard University prior to serving in the U.S. Army. He later returned to Houston to attend TSU’s law school and after graduation joined the Houston City Attorney’s Office. He eventually served as an assistant to Mayor Louie Welch.

He served as president of the TSU National Alumni Association, was a founder and first president of the Maroon and Gray Athletic Booster Club and served on the TSU Foundation Board.

Henry served on other local and national boards, commissions and committees. He was a member of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ and lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the NAACP. Survivors include his wife Alfreda, a sister and two brothers.

Alice Rains laid to rest

Services were recently held for Alice W. Rains, the mother of the late Congressman Mickey Leland. She died on April 2 at the age of 92.

Mrs. Rains was married to the late George Thomas Leland II. After his death she was married to the late Dr. David Rains.

She was born in Richmond, Va. She received a B.A. and a Masters of Education Degree from Texas Southern University. Mrs. Rains served 35 years in HISD as a teacher, curriculum coordinator supervisor and principal. She was a Cub Scouts den mother, and a member of the PTA, NAACP, Democratic National Committee and several social clubs.

She was a board member of Child Advocates, Interfaith Ministries and Target Hunger.

Survivors include one son, William Gaston Leland, and grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Leland Center at Texas Southern University in her memory.

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APRIL 14 | 2016 DEFENDER

entertainment

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Ice Cube & Deon Cole

co-star in ‘Barbershop’ sequel

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

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ctor, writer, producer, director and rapper Ice Cube is one of Hollywood’s busiest stars. Coming of age in 1980s Los Angeles, Cube, a co-founder of N.W.A., was at the forefront of hip-hop’s expansion from local sound to global phenomenon.

Cube made his feature film debut in director John Singleton’s 1991 hit “Boyz n the Hood.” From that auspicious beginning, he has become one of the most bankable, likeable names in Hollywood.

His production company, Cube Vision, founded in 1995, has now passed two decades making memorable films. He has been part of films that have cumulatively grossed over $1 billion at the box office.

The N.W.A biopic “Straight Outta Compton” took in box-office receipts of over $200 million worldwide. Cube’s successful films also include the “Friday,” “Ride Along” and “Barbershop” franchises.

Deon Cole plays the hilarious coworker Charlie, a fan-favorite on ABC’s hit comedy “black-ish.” Cole is also one Ice Cube (center) and Deon Cole (standing, second from left) can be seen in the of the lead roles in the TBS series “Angie star-studded sequel “Barbershop: The Next Cut.” Tribeca.” He continues to be a featured guest correspondent on “Conan,” for which the issue of the murder rate in Chicago. he was also a two-time Emmy nominated writer.

IC: Yeah, we really wanted to make sure that our Here, Cube and Cole discuss co-starring in movie wasn’t all laughs and jokes, and that we were “Barbershop: The Next Cut” as Calvin and Dante, dealing with what a real barbershop has to deal with. respectively.

Sometimes, when you want to laugh, reality steps in. So, KW: I really loved the film and how you addressed we were happy to be able to push it.

KW: How were you able to walk that fine line between humor and the serious material?

IC: I think [director] Malcolm Lee is a real master at being able to make you laugh while bringing serious subject-matter, so the movie doesn’t hinge on silliness, but on real life. We were lucky to get him, and he pulled it off pretty brilliantly.

KW: How hard was it trying to reassemble the original cast?

IC: It was easy for the ones that came back, and hard for the ones that didn’t. We tried to get everybody back. We got most of the key players, and I was happy to add Common and J.B. Smoove. They were great adds. And Regina Hall was great, too. So, it all felt right.

KW: And Nicki Minaj was larger than life.

IC: Yeah, without a doubt. She plays a great character, and I think people are going to dig her acting skills.

KW: What message do you think people will take away from the film?

IC: To me, the message is community, that you can make a difference, and that you can’t run from your problems and issues and move to another neighborhood. We have to step up as adults and try to guide our youth. I think those are some of the universal messages in it, along with a father trying to get his son off the streets and on the right path. .

KW: Deon, you were quite the scene stealer every time you appeared in the film.

DC: Is that what it’s called? I’m gonna take that.

KW: Did you base your character on anybody?

DC: Yeah, real people I know that “be” in a shop like that. No matter what barbershop you go to, there’s always that guy who’s just hanging around and doesn’t do much, but knows everything that’s going on in the community.

what’sup “Scandal” star KERRY WASHINGTON is speaking out about an altered photo of her on a recent cover of AdWeek. Washington said she was “taken aback” by the outcome, a blanched, clearly “tweaked” version of her face. “Look, I’m no stranger to Photoshopping,” Washington said. “It happens a lot. In a way, we have become a society of picture adjusters – who doesn’t love a filter? Yesterday, however, I just felt weary.

It felt strange to look at a picture of myself that is so different from what I look like when I look in the mirror. It’s an unfortunate feeling.” Washington said she still appreciated the article and was proud of it…

…..N.W.A. was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and KENDRICK LAMAR paid tribute to the group during the ceremony. He called ICE CUBE a “storytelling genius” and called DR. DRE a “scientist, the perfectionist, the producer extraordinary.” Lamar said the late EAZY-E was “a true mastermind.”

N.W.A., which also included MC REN and DJ YELLA, brought gangsta rap into the mainstream with the 1988 double-platinum album “Straight Outta Compton.” The induction special will be shown on April 30 at 7 p.m. on HBO……..THE WEEKND could have a big weekend at the 2016 Billboard

Music Awards. The Canadian hit maker leads the award nominations and is a finalist in 16 categories.

DRAKE and FETTY WAP are both finalists in 10 categories. LUDACRIS and CIARA will host the awards show on May 22 in Las Vegas…….Fans who purchased tickets to JANET JACKSON’S “Unbreakable” world tour will not receive refunds.

Jackson announced in a video message that she was postponing the tour to focus on having a child with her husband, Wissam Al Mana. “I have to rest up – doctor’s orders,” she said. “But I have not forgotten about you.”

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

cente

10 TIPS A

pril is African-American Women’s Fitness Month, a time to focus on being healthy and feeling and looking your best.

No population in the United States has a higher obesity rate than African-American women. Four out of five Black women are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite those statistics, it’s never too late to get fit and fine.

We’ve laid out some 10 steps that can lead to a fitter, healthier you.

Get fit & fine H PAGE 8

Take steps to become healthier

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Mind over matter. Your attitude can make the difference between succeeding and failing at your goal.

Being fit is a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires making changes to your entire lifestyle and having the right mindset to wait for those changes to unfold.

2

Kick bad habits. Now’s the time to quit smoking, drugs, unsafe sex and other unhealthy addictions.

These will definitely hamper your fitness goals. And sorry, but alcohol, sugar, caffeine, junk food and unhealthy fast food rank as bad habits as well. These things in

moderation aren’t bad, as long as the majority of your choices are mindful and healthful.

3

Grab a friend. It is much easier to reach your goals when you have someone to share the pain and the gain. Create a schedule that you can both commit to and keep each other on track.

You could even get a group of people in on the “get fit” schedule. Have everyone put $10 into a pot and the person who works out the most or loses the most weight during a set amount of time wins the money.

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Get moving. Little things can make a big difference. That parking space right by the door? Pass it up and opt for the one on the other side of the parking lot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Just get in two 15-minute walks every day. Clean your house vigorously. You’d be surprised how physically taxing housework is. Exercise at the office. Believe it or not, it’s completely possible to make sitting at your computer into a calorie-burning activity.

You can stretch and work out your muscles by doing leg lifts, oblique reaches, and lower back reaches, among others.

5

Switch things up. How many times has your fitness journey been derailed simply because you got bored? As your body gets comfortable performing a certain activity, it learns to do it more efficiently, making it easy for you to plateau in your workouts. Keep both your body and your mind guessing by enjoying a diversity of activities and having fun.

he Houston area for over 85 years

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Fuel your body. As you become more active, you’ll need more food, but not just any food. You need healthy, energy-laden food that will jump-start the next phase of your day, not weigh it down.

Drink plenty of water. Water keeps you hydrated and promotes optimal metabolic activity.

It also takes up a great volume in your stomach, so you will feel fuller without having consumed many snacks or meals. Carry a reusable water bottle around with you at all times. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to get in your recommended 1.5 to 2 liters of water each day (2 liters is about eight glasses of water).

Keep healthy foods around. Keep your kitchen stocked with healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, etc. and keep the junk out of your cupboards so you won’t be tempted.

It’s not bad to indulge once in a while, but it’s too easy to do so if you keep your house full of unhealthy treats, such as fattening chips, pastries, candy, ice cream and soft drinks.

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Get enough rest. When you’re giving your body a run for its money with varied physical activities, you also need to let it recover by getting a sufficient amount of sleep. Determine how many hours of sleep you need in order to feel refreshed in the morning, and then discipline yourself to wake up and go to bed at the same time on a daily basis.

Not getting enough sleep also comes at a huge expense to your immune system. Insufficient sleep is associated with ailments such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. The CDC recommends seven to eight hours of sleep a night for adults.

Track your progress. A fitness journal – handwritten or online – is a good way to keep track of when you work out, what you do and for how long. You can also log what you eat each day. You may find that when you have to write down your snacking habits you may be less inclined to snack. Even if you don’t write it down your body knows the truth.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

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Support Yates HS School of Communications Kim Gagne, producer of the their skill set and training in Steve Harvey Show; Roland Marmaritime logistics and mass tin, news anchor for TV One and media technology.”

Ernest Walker, general manager of YSOC instructor Ray KTSU, have one thing in common: Carrington, a recognized proYates School of Communications fessional photographer, said (YSOC). During their teenage the community should support years, they walked the halls of JY the breakfast banquet. before they became leaders in the “These young people are media industry. in training to become our next On Saturday, April 23, the generation of journalists and YSOC will honor the “Best of the communicators. They will Best” in the areas of film, photograinherit the responsibilities of phy, broadcasting, graphic arts and fact-gathering and disseminaprint. The breakfast banquet will tion,” Carrington said. be held at HCC Southeast Learning Gagne, who is offering HUB, 6815 Rustic from 9 a.m. to11 two $500 scholarships, has a a.m. The guest speaker is two-time message for the students.

Emmy winner Gagne.

“No one ever told me to As a 1982 graduate, Gagne go for this dream but it was said, “My life has taken me to in me,” she said. “God placed places I never would have expected this in me and I had no idea as that 18-year-old graduate.” When how it would manifest but He Harvey Show” producer Kim Gagne will be the guest speaker at the Yates School of Communications breakfast asked what she gained from her ex- “Steve did it. I want them to know banquet on Saturday, April 23. periences at YSOC, she said, “Being that everyone wants to be a in the YSOC taught me how to operstar but no one wants to put in program is in a re-building phase and needs commuate as part of a unit. We had common goals every day the work. I want them to know that really all things nity support according to coordinator Ted Irving. and that was to prepare a newscast or a radio show.” are possible if you believe in yourself and believe in Irving said the program is important to the future Known as the HISD training ground for future God.” of the Black community. members of the media, the Magnet School of ComTickets are $25 per person and can be purchased “Our magnet programs are poised to nurture and munications, established in 1978, is anticipating a new develop competitive and productive, citizens,” he said. at the door or at the Yates front office from 8 a.m. to 2 building opening in the fall of 2018. Currently, the “The future of the Black community will depend upon p.m. Monday-Friday.

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APRIL 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

health

11

Could you be prone to migraine headaches? percent of women reported migraines versus 0.7 percent of men.

• In about two-thirds of the cases, there is a genetic link to parents who also had migraines.

By DESIREE THOMAS, M.D.

Migraines are a recurrent headache disorder characterized by moderate to severe headaches lasting from an hour to 72 hours. If you’re suffering from migraines, you’re not alone: An estimated 1 billion people worldwide are affected by this headache disorder, and chances are if you’re a woman or African-American, you’ve been affected.

Symptoms to look for

While migraines are painful and inconvenient, they do have symptoms that can alert you that a headache might be coming on, which could assist with early intervention.

Most migraines have four phases: the prodome, aura, pain and postRace, gender and family drome. Here’s what to expect in each history could be factors stage.

Dr. Desiree Thomas While migraine headaches can • Prodome: This stage can happen days or affect people of any race or gender, they tend to be hours before a headache.

Look for irritability or more prevalent in three specific groups: women, changed mood, depression or euphoria, food cravAfrican-Americans and people with a family history ings, stiff neck, gastrointestinal problems or excesof migraines. A study performed by the National sive yawning.

Headache Foundation that included over 162,000 • Aura: Patients report experiencing blurred participants showed a clear division in groups who vision and feelings of “pins and needles” – usually have migraine headaches. They found that: in one hand at first, spreading up to the face. Other • More women, 18 percent, reported migraines patients report dizziness, impaired thinking and, than men, 6 percent. much less frequently, auditory hallucinations.

• Among African-American participants, 1.7

M O R E

W A Y S

T O

C O N Q U E R

• Pain: Also called the “attack phase,” this is when you’ll experience the headache, which can last between four and 72 hours. The headache is generally felt on one side of the head, and can be accompanied with nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, smell sensitivity, sound sensitivity, blurred vision, gastrointestinal distress, sweating and swelling or tenderness of the scalp.

• Postdrome: The postdrome phase includes the effects following the headache. These can last anywhere from a couple hours to a few days, wherein patients report a feeling of being “hung over,” soreness in the area the migraine was affecting them, mood changes, stomach issues and weakness.

Seek medical evaluation

If you’re having severe headaches, it’s best to see a doctor. Only a physician can properly diagnose migraines. Make an appointment with your doctor.

Don’t suffer if you don’t have to!

Dr. Thomas is a board-certified neurologist who cares for Kelsey-Seybold Clinic patients at two locations: Main Campus and Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center. To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000.

C A N C E R

Exceptional Cancer Care Just Got Even Better In our beautiful new facility, everything is under one roof – from our connected team of experts to state-of-the-art technology for radiation therapy.

Kelsey-Seybold’s nationally accredited Cancer Center is focused on not only treating patients, but on providing personal, coordinated care that encourages healing.

Now, with state-of-the-art technology for radiation therapy and our beautiful and spacious facilities, we’re better equipped than ever to help our patients be victorious over cancer. It’s just one more way our exceptional cancer care has gotten even better.

Kelsey-Seybold.com/CancerCenter | 713-442-1080

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

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Forum features Ft. Bend political candidates The Chasewood Political Action Committee, in its continuing efforts to keep the community informed on important issues that directly affect their Fort Bend County residency, will host two political forums on Monday, April 18. They will be held at the Chasewood Clubhouse, 7622 Chasewood Drive in Missouri City.

At 6:30 p.m. residents will have an opportunity to meet the candidates. The forums will be divided into two segments. The first segment is from 7-8 p.m., and will be for the five candidates running for Fort Bend ISD Position 7 – James Davidson, Sonja Nelson

Leonard, Laura Ramirez, Shirley Rose-Gilliam and the incumbent David Rosenthal.

Immediately following from 8-9 p.m., there will be the forum featuring Angelique Bartholomew and State Rep. Ron Reynolds, the two candidates in the State District 27 runoff election.

The forums will be moderated by KPRC-TV’s Khambrel Marshall, who hosts the weekly public affairs program “Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall.” He is also a member of the KPRC 2 Severe Weather Team and delivers the weekend evening forecasts.

Angelique Bartholomew

Rep. Ron Reynolds

Khambrel Marshall

Millenials urged to unite on Writer’s Block With the hashtag @writersblocklive, A.J. McQueen, founder of The Writer’s Block, has assembled a cast of performers to showcase their artistic talents and inspire the audience.

The event, featuring Prentice Powell, Norman Sanchez, Tro’Juan Henderson and a host of others, is scheduled for Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at Social Junkie, 2412 Washington Ave. “I believe that The Writer’s Block Live will help millennials unite through the arts,” McQueen said. “At The Writer’s Block we be-

A.J. McQueen

lieve that, “The pen is stronger than the gun,” which means that our gifts are stronger than any weapon we may be up against. It means that the vision that God gives us is our strongest asset. We challenge millennials to bring their gifts and to glorify God with them. “ McQueen, an emcee, poet, activist, author and entrepreneur, has earned attention from President Obama, who awarded him with the White House Service Achievement Award for his support of youth and positive music. McQueen, a St. Louis, Mo. native, cur-

Jack Yates School of Communications

(formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following:

AGENCY MOVING AND RELOCATION SERVICES

2016

Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7116 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Tuesday, April 19, 2016. A Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for, Tuesday, April 26, 2016 @ 10:00 a.m., 9401 Southwest Freeway. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2016 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL - THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016, “AGENCY MOVING AND RELOCATION SERVICES ". Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to James Blunt, Buyer II via fax at (713) 970-7682 or E-mail questions to james.blunt@mhmraharris.org cc: sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org.

MHMRA reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

Saturday, April 23 9 am–11 am HCC Southeast Learning HUB 6815 Rustic, Houston, Tx 77087 per person

Sold at the door or Yates front office 8 am–2 pm Monday-Friday

classified The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD

BREAKFAST BANQUET

Tickets $25.00

rently resides in Houston after relinquishing ties to gang activity where his was shot at the age of 15 and almost died.

“I think that African American millennials should be focused on change,” added McQueen. “There are so many things in this society that distract us from being the change that we want to see. I believe that today’s generation of millennials is courageous enough to start a revolution of change and it starts now.”

For tickets and more information visit www.wearewritersblock.com.

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HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT PAVER REPAIR WORK

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Guest Speaker Two Time Emmy Winner Steve Harvey Show Supervising Producer 1982 Yates SOC Graduate

SUPPORT OUR FUTURE JOURNALISTS

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the Paver Repair Work, located in Downtown Houston. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 by the Director of Construction, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted.

Beginning 11:00 AM, Monday, April 11, 2016, Bid Documents may be picked up free of charge from the Downtown District. Addenda will be distributed by email to those who pick up Bid Documents and attend the Pre-bid Conference. Bid Documents may also be examined at plan rooms of the Minority Business Development Center (2302 Fannin Street, #165, Houston, TX 77002), Amtek Information and Plan Room (4001 Sherwood Lane, Houston, TX 77092) or viewed online at isqft.com.

A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in the Downtown District’s Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend the Pre-bid Conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the Pre-bid Conference.

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APRIL 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

opinion

What if Trump’s campaign manager was Black?

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

I

t is probably not politically correct to bring more race matters into the debacle that is also known as the Donald Trump quest for the presidency. He has called out and targeted racial and ethnic groups, as well as targeted individual women because of their appearance (or more, but we won’t go there). He has supported basic thuggery, offering to pay the legal fees for a man who sucker-punched an African American protester, and egging on others who beat up a protester.

The latest goes from the amusing to the amazing. Although there is a video showing his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski putting his hands on former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields, he and Trump have said that eyes can lie. Even in the face of video evidence, he denied touching Fields. He and Dave Granlund, Politicalcartoons.com Trump tried to dismiss her as “delusional,” essentially “blamhe probably would not have had to wait more ing the victim.” than a week to be charged for his transgresImagine that Corey Lewandowski was sion. He might have apologized, whether he an African-American man. Imagine that he were asked to do so or not, both from civility nearly knocked down a white woman reportand from cultural conditioning. er. Can you hear the outrage? Can you hear Trump and Lewandowski assumed that the demands? Were Lewandowski AfricanFields, a white woman, could be thrown unAmerican, would he have been caricatured as der the bus by two powerful, white men who a hoodlum or thug, pandering to the stereocalled her a liar, delusional, and any other types? Or would Mr. Trump have had Black slur they could get away with. A Black man Lewandowski’s back as firmly? would not have had the luxury – he would I am not surprised that Mr. Trump has have had to rush into rapid CYA (cover your condoned Lewandowski’s violence, nor am I hind parts) mode. surprised that he’s taken the “wuss” role by Those women who are supporting Trump suggesting the reporter, who was attempting need to be well aware of his propensity to to get his attention, had “touched” him (and disregard and disrespect women. Loyalty that maybe he should press charges). notwithstanding, Lewandowski’s untoward It is entirely consistent with his other behavior deserves some reaction – maybe campaign behavior. He has suggested that not a firing, but some form of suspension, his supporters might “riot” if he does not get or something that suggests that a “hands on” the Republican nomination. His amazing incampaign need not be literally hands on, or civility adds to the vaudevillian atmosphere that the “ground game” that Lewandowski of this bizarre campaign. How different is often praised for does not mean that he would it be if Corey Lewandowski were should knock reporters down to the ground.

Black?

Those African-Americans (and there are A Black man could not have put his hand a few) who are supporting Donald Trump on a white woman with impunity. If he did,

need to ask themselves what the reaction would be if Corey Lewandowski were Black.

Would Trump be as supportive?

I am of the generation that used to play “what if” all the time. Knowing, but determined to imagine and speculate, what would happen if you flip the script? What if the white McKinney, Texas police corporal Eric Casebolt had pulled a blonde white girl by the hair instead of pulling the braids of Black teen Dajerra Becton at a swimming pool party last June?

Or, what if a Black officer, not Casebolt, had pulled a white girl by her blonde locks?

The very muted outrage that we heard when Becton was assaulted would have turned into a crescendo had a Black police officer had the temerity to assault a white teen.

I am not sure why I play “what if” or “just imagine.” We know that race still matters, and that matters still aren’t fair. Still, as I watch Mr. Trump circle the wagon around Corey Lewandowski, I just have to wonder how different his reaction (and the public reaction) might be if Lewandowski were Black. Just wondering.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

sports

Kobe Bryant says goodbye to Houston

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Kobe Bryant bids farewel l to James Harden durin g his last game in Houston.

By MAX EDISON Defender

ne of basketball’s truly great one’s made his final professional stop in Houston recently. Kobe Bean Bryant, one of the greatest players of his generation, is calling it quits after 20 sensational seasons. With five NBA championships to his credit Bryant has cemented his legacy in history as one of the game’s most dominant stars.

Bryant entered the NBA as a fresh-faced 17-year-old rookie from Philadelphia’s Lower Merion High School. He was 13th selection in the first round of the 1996 draft. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets who traded him to the Lakers.

He is the son of former Philadelphia 76er guard Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, a first-round selection in 1975.

Jellybean Bryant spent seasons of his nine-year NBA career with the Rockets (1982-83) and thus gave Kobe a taste of Houston as a little kid. Melanie Howard, a Philadelphia native and friend of Kobe’s mom Pam, recently relocated to Houston.

Howard spent a great deal of time around the Bryant family and observed the focus that would become Kobe Bryant’s trademark as a pro.

“He was always a very focused and determined little boy,” Howard recalled. “Back then he was around 6 or 7 and his sport was karate. He was always practicing his moves. I remember how proud he was when he got his white belt.”

Knowing the family lineage, Howard is not surprised by his subsequent NBA success.

“Pam’s dad played professional baseball and his mom was a very good athlete so it’s in his genes,” Howard said. “Of course Joe was an outstanding high school and college basketball player. As focused as Kobe was as a little boy I’m not the least bit surprised by his success.”

There are approximately 1,500 miles between Houston and Los Angeles, but Laker fans, like Dallas Cowboy and New York Yankee fans, are everywhere and Houston is no exception.

For the past 20 years Bryant, or the “Black Mamba” as he is affectionately known, has been fans’ patron saint. In his final game in Toyota Center the house was riddled with gold and purple No. 24 jerseys, a testament to his league-wide appeal.

For Rocket stars James Howard and Trevor Ariza, who both grew up in Los Angeles, the recent game was a chance to pay tribute to a legend and play against him one last time.

“Today was a special day to see a legend play his last game here in Houston,” Harden said. “I

Bryant is calling it quits after 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

along with everybody else in the Toyota Center embraced it. It’s exciting to see him go out the right way.

The NBA is doing it the right way. In every arena he goes to they’re witnessing a legend.”

Ariza’s experience is even more unique. Not only did he grow up idolizing Bryant, he also won a championship as a Laker teammate in 2009.

“The Lakers are everything to Los Angeles,” Ariza said. “Kobe Bryant was the biggest star there. I look at Kobe as a big brother. He’s always been there for me when I needed him to be, always giving me advice on and off the court.”

“He’s someone we grew up admiring and watching every stat, every move that he made,” Ariza continued. “For this to be his 20th season and getting to play against him is kind of weird. I can’t lie to you. To think that he’s not going to be out there next year is a little weird.

“I remember my first game ever playing against him,” Ariza added. “He had 40 and I laughed today when he got 35. I guess I’ve gotten a little bit better.”

About Bryant

• Age 37, 6-feet-6 • Led Philadelphia high school team to four state championships • Five-time NBA champion (20002002, 2009-2010) • Scored 81 points in 2006 game against the Raptors • Two-Time NBA Finals MVP (2009-2010) • NBA Most Valuable Player (2008) • 11-time All-NBA First Team (20022004, 2006-2013) • Nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003-2004, 2006-2011) • Played on 2008 and 2012 gold medalwinning U.S. Olympic teams • Leads Lakers in points, steals, games and minutes played, field goals

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APRIL 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Bellaire’s Baxter leads softball class of 2017

T

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

he Texas Southern University women’s softball team has to be holding its collective breath until they can get her name on the dotted line.

Chelsea Baxter of Bellaire High School is one of the Houston area’s top high school softball prospects in the Class of 2017. The junior pitcher/first baseman has verbally committed to TSU. “Trying to get into college on a softball scholarship provides a lot of motivation,” she said.

Baxter’s competitive nature was kindled her freshman year when she was part of the most successful Bellaire team ever. That team went to the regional finals and five teammates earned college scholarships.

“I was very excited about that experience and thought we were going all the way to state,” Baxter said. “It didn’t work out that way. We’re trying our best to do it this year.

Bellaire improved to 14-4 on the season, including 6-0 in District 20-6A, with victories over Lamar and Milby last week.

With the scored tied 2-2 through four innings against Lamar, Bellaire head coach Brien Tuffly brought Baxter into relieve starter Jolie Duong and pitch the final three innings.

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See what Bellaire softball coach says about rebuilding

“Between the two of them it was a real good combination to keep Lamar’s hitters off balance,” Tuffly said.

Bellaire won 6-2 as Baxter got on base every time via the walk. “They were pitching around me because I hit a home run against them the last time we played to basically win the game,” Baxter said.

Baxter pitched a complete game 14-3 run-rule (five innings) victory over Milby two days later. She added an infield single for good measure.

“Chelsea had a pretty good freshman year and a good sophomore year. But she’s really come into her own this year as a true power hitter,” Tuffly said.

“She’s hit five home runs for us this year.

“She’s been pitching 50 to 60 percent of our games so far and has registered 115 strikeouts in just nine games,” Tuffly said. “She’s putting up some really good numbers.”

Baxter has noticed significant improvement in her play both at the plate and in the circle this season. “I’m getting on base a lot more and I’m hitting a lot better,” she said.

“Pitching-wise, I’ve gotten my accuracy down and my spin down. So I’ve gotten better with that too. Sometimes I get a little frustrated with my pitching,” she said.

Baxter credits her older sister and her mother with getting her involved in the one sport that has captured her interest.

“My sister started playing in high school and then my mom signed me up,” Baxter said.

“I just stuck with it.”

In the meantime, Baxter will continue developing her game, not only as the 2016 season winds down, but again next year.

Houston area high school sports enthusiasts will have the privilege of enjoying this process, while potential suitors on the collegiate level will just have to wait. Good luck TSU fans.

About Chelsea Baxter Birth date – May 25 Birth sign – Gemini Favorite subject – English, Future career – Physical therapist World problem she would solve – Crime

Former Saint killed The NFL and the New Orleans Saints are mourning the shocking death of former defensive end Will Smith recently in the Crescent City. Smith, 34, was fatally shot multiple times, and his wife, Racquel, 33, was shot once in the leg after being rearended in a traffic accident. Smith was drafted by the Saints with the 18th overall pick in 2004 out of Ohio State. He spent all nine of his NFL seasons with the Saints and last played in 2012. He was a Pro Bowler in 2006 and ranks fourth in Saints history with 67.5 career sacks. He had a career-high of 13 during the Saints’ 2009 Super Bowl season.

He was recently voted into the Saints Hall of Fame. A suspect, Cardell Hayes, was arrested and charged with second degree murder.

Biles triumphs again In a tune-up for the Summer Olympics in Rio, Spring resident Simone Biles captured gold in the all-around at the Pacific Rim Championships in Everett, Washington recently. Her success helped the U.S. run away with the team title. Biles has amassed 10 gold medals in three world championships, the most by any woman in history. “After the world championships, she looked too hyper and a little bit out of control, which was unusual for her,” Coach Martha Karolyi said.

“Our main goal was to calm her down, and I think we achieved the goal. She looked very composed and very much in control...”

Cinco Ranch soccer rules For the second year in a row Cinco Ranch High School of Katy ISD is the benchmark for Region III-6A soccer in both boys’ and girls’ divisions. The Cinco Ranch girls defeated district rival Katy Taylor 2-1 to notch its third consecutive regional title. Trailing 1-0, Katie Becker kicked the tying goal with three minutes to go in the first half. Ali Russell netted a sensational game-winning goal with a defender wrapped around her with 30 seconds left in the first half. Cinco Ranch converted a rare trifecta over Katy Taylor following 6-0 and 4-0 wins during district play.

The Cinco Ranch boys punched their ticket to the state tournament in Georgetown with a 2-1 decision over Alief Elsik. Brady Johnston assisted on the first goal and later scored the game winner for the Cinco Ranch boys. Johnston assessed what it means for both the Cinco Ranch boys and girls soccer teams to make a trip in unison to the state tournament. “There is a strong relationship between our teams,” he said. “It has been a great year for all of us.”

Goose Creek falls short The Goose Creek Memorial High School boys’ soccer team advanced to the Region III-5A championship match against Pflugerville Connally. Memorial tallied the first goal, but Connally dominated play afterwards to claim a 3-1 victory and a trip to the state soccer tournament at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown. Goose Creek Memorial (18-1-7) completed its deepest run ever in the state soccer playoffs after being a first-round playoff casualty last year.

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DEFENDER | APRIL 14 | 2016

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

topevents

Erin Hayes, Kiera Prusmack, Alexandria Watson, Kenya Alexis-Mongare, Andrea KTSU MEET & GREET……..KTSU 90.9 FM recently hosted an open house and Graves, Rebecca Smith, Jacoby Morrison, Briahn Hawkins, Haley Hearne, Miquel meet and greet reception for its new General Manager Ernest Walker in the station multiPrice, Keeath Magee, Pferd Kennedy, Hayley Hearne, Andrea Graves, and Kiera purpose room. Walker, a music industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience Prusmack……..PRINCE HALL SHRINERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM…… in business, production, entertainment, and fundraising was named general manager in ..The Desert of Texas, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (Prince March. Breakfast was provided by The Breakfast Klub. Those in attendance included Hall Shriners) recently held its Public Program at the Westin Oaks Houston. The Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Eva Pickens and Carl Davis……..AKA Prince Hall Shriners, in partnership with their auxiliary, the Daughters of the Imperial ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON……..Ethel Hedgemen Lyle Foundation Court, sponsor the annual event, which serves as a venue to award of Spring Texas, the charitable arm of the Alpha Kappa monetary scholarships and donations to worthy community-based Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Omicron Tau Omega Chapter Defender TOP EVENTS organizations. High school students Branaun Galentine and celebrated college bound scholars at its 30th Annual Scholarship More photos on defendernetwork.com Hannah Johnson were the recipients of two $1,100 scholarships.

Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel. Approximately The Desert of Texas also provided monetary donations to the $20,000 dollars in scholarships was awarded to deserving high YWCA, U.S. Dream Academy and the Buffalo Soldiers. Photos provided by Robert school graduates. The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas, Inc. organization McNair. Those in attendance included: Burnell White Jr., Anna Harris-Howell, Marcus proudly invests in the Houston community by awarding scholarships to students in north Griffith, Barbara Compton, Councilman Dwight Boykins, Vera Bumpers, Edward Houston school districts: Aldine, CyFair, Humble, Klein, and Spring ISD. Those in Brown, and Norman Thomas. attendance included: David Ntonga, Kiana Poole, Taylor Garrett, Neema Callender,

Natalie Walker, Chris Walker and Eva Pickens

Angie Eubanks Moore, Pferd Kennedy

Hannah Johnson, Edward Brown, Norman Thomas

Joanna Walker, Errnest Walker, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson lee

Kenya Alexis-Mongare, Kari Gray-Smith

Branaun Galentine, Edward Brown, Norman Thomas

Ernest Walker, Eva Pickens, Gregory Dennis (Photos by Earlie Hudnall)

Mandele’ Davis, Kiera Prusmack, Keena Bradley

Burnell White Jr., Alicia Chisolm, Allison Booker Brooks, Anna Harris-Howell, Barbara Jones (Photos courtesy Robert McNair)

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