Houston Defender: April 19, 2012

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Volume 81 | Number 25 WEEK OF APRIL 19, 2012 | FREE

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LOCAL

Countdown to the primary

JESSE JACKSON blasts vigilante laws

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Register by April 30th, vote on May 29th

FEATURE OPINION

MICHAEL GRAVES will share business advice

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H.S. ZONE

MYORCA YOUNG keeps her options open

Marquis Alexander makes A&M history

Houstonian Marquis Alexander has made history at Texas A&M University. Alexander, a 2007 graduate of Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, has been selected as commander for A&M’s 2012-2013 Corps of Cadets, which numbers more than 2,300. It is the first time a Black student will hold the prestigious position.

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Steve Harvey speaks his mind Comedian Steve Harvey is one of the busiest men in show business. He’s on TV and the radio, and his bestselling book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” has been made into a movie. Harvey shares his thoughts on such topics as success, relationships and religion. He also gives his opinion on the Trayvon Martin case.

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CHAG’S PLACE

Dr. John Sapp, Carol and Charles McCloud at scholarship luncheon

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012

ontheweb

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Stay Connected! Experience the Defender on the world wide web.

Budgets that work!

There are secrets to successful budgeting.

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What to do this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend?

The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area. www.defendernetwork.com

Guns vs. racism

Book TALK After the Altar Call: The Sisters’ Guide to Developing a Personal Relationship With God

by Jaqueline Holness is a fresh, real and relevant how-to manual for Black Christian women who desire to move past the “church speak” and into an intimate relationship with their Creator.

Which is worse, guns or racism? Read which one Bill Cosby thinks played a role in Trayvon Martin’s death and give us your opinion.

On www.facebook.com/

defendernetwork Bill Cosby

“Think Like a Man” in theaters April 20.

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WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012 | DEFENDER

White men convicted of hate crime Defender News Services

Three white men were recently convicted of beating Yondell Johnson – a 29-year-old Black man – at a downtown bus stop simply because of his race.

According to the FBI, it is the first conviction in the Houston area under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. A federal jury convicted Charles Cannon, Michael McLaughlin and Brian Kerstetter of hate crime charges for the August

2011 attack on Johnson. The convictions carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

The defendants had tattoos known to reflect an affiliation with white supremacist groups. Earlier, prosecutors dismissed charges against a fourth defendant, Joseph Staggs, who testified against the other three.

The four men attacked Johnson at random around midnight while he was waiting for a bus at Travis and McKinney. He was hospitalized after the attack.

newstalk

The Shepard/Byrd act was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2009. Shepard, a white college student, was tortured and murdered in Wyoming in 1998 because he was perceived to be gay.

Byrd, a Black man, was dragged to death by white supremacists in Jasper in 1998.

The act gives the FBI the authority to investigate violent hate crimes committed because of a person’s actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Black student makes Texas A&M history Defender News Services

Marquis Alexander, a 2007 graduate of HISD’s Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, has been selected as the commander for the 2012-2013 Texas A&M University’s Corps of Cadets.

It is the first time in the university’s 136-year history that an African-American student will assume the prestigious position.

As commander, Alexander, 22, will represent the university and will voice the cadets’ concerns to administrators. He will Continued on Page 6

Jackson wants end to ‘vigilante’ laws Defender News Services

During a trip to Houston, Rev. Jesse Jackson blasted the nation’s stand your ground laws, including Texas’ equivalent.

Jackson was joined at Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church by local ministers and Houston Congressman Al Green.

The news conference took place the same day Florida neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman appeared in court for the killing of Trayvon Martin.

Though the state doesn’t have a stand your ground law, there is a castle doctrine which gives Texans the right to use deadly force to protect themselves against another person’s use or attempted use of unlawful force.

“These laws incentivize vigilantism,” Jack-

son said. “Take the law into your own hands, kill or be killed. That’s beneath the civility of a great nation.”

Green agreed.

“While they may not call it stand your ground, the essence of what’s being done is the very same thing,” Green said. “And it’s time for us to pull down stand your ground. It’s time for us to make the castle what it’s traditionally been – the person’s home.”

Jackson added that Zimmerman’s arrest is just the start of a process.

“Let’s not forget that Mr. Zimmerman represents a first down, not a touchdown – the beginning of a process,” Jackson said. “But far beyond him, the victory is not in how long he stays in jail; the victory is in repealing these draconian, stand your ground, self-defense, vigilante laws.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson

localbriefs HOUSTON IS STRONGER than it has been for some years said Mayor Annise Parker, and the upcoming budget will reflect that strength. Parker made the remarks during her annual State of the City address. “Unlike last year, the budget I will send to City Council next month will not include cuts in swimming pool and library hours, health care services, furloughs or layoffs,” Parker said.

“We have made this progress not by raising taxes or mortgaging the city’s future with debt, but by firm fiscal stewardship.” Parker noted the city’s successes. “We are the job producing capital of the nation,” she said. “We are one of only two North American cities ranked among the 40 fastest

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growing metropolitan economies in the world. We are the number one U.S. city for manufacturing.”

She added that her administration is focused on five priorities: jobs, infrastructure, public safety, fiscal responsibility and quality of life……..AREA DEMOCRATS continue to deal with a rift in the party centering on the race for chair of the Harris County Democratic Party. African-American lawyer Keryl Douglas is challenging interim chair Lane Lewis – who is openly gay – for the position.

A letter allegedly written by a Rev. Willie Howard on behalf of Douglas asks local ministers to support Douglas because her opponent is gay and gays are threatening to take over the party. Douglas

said her campaign was not responsible for the letter and questioned the existence of Howard........

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS are being offered by the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s School of Education.

The deadline to apply for the summer semester is May 4. The school received $115,000 in scholarship funds from the Gulf Coast Workforce Board-Workforce Solutions in cooperation with Collaborative for Children to assist those currently working in the licensed child care field to obtain their degrees. For more information call 281-2832480, contact wells@uhcl.edu or visit http://www. uhcl.edu/finaid/FAO_New/Scholarship.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012

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national

U.S.briefs

Data says health care act

benefits Blacks Defender News Services

T

he Department of Health and Human Services recently released new data on the Affordable Care Act and the expanded coverage it offers to African Americans.

The Supreme Court heard arguments over the validity of the act last March and is expected to rule on the national health plan in June.

According to HHS, new estimates suggest that under the Affordable Care Act, 3.8 million African Americans who would otherwise be uninsured will gain coverage by 2016.

The announcement coincides with National Minority Health Month, which is held in April.

“We commemorate National Minority Health Month to raise awareness of the health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities, as well as celebrate the opportunities of the Affordable Care Act’s groundbreaking policies to reduce those health disparities,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

“Despite the progress our nation has made over the past 50

years, racial and ethnic minorities still lag behind the general population on many health fronts,” Sebelius said.

“Minorities are less likely to get the preventive care they need to stay healthy, more likely to suffer from serious illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer, and they are less likely to have access to quality health care.”

HHS outlined the coverage and benefits available to African Americans in 2012.

• An estimated 5.5 million African Americans with private insurance now have access to expanded preventive services with no-cost sharing. These services include well-child visits, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, Pap smears and mammograms for women, and flu shots for children and adults.

• The 4.5 million elderly and disabled African Americans who receive health coverage from Medicare also have access to an expanded list of preventive services with no cost-sharing, including annual wellness visits with personalized prevention plans, diabetes and colorectal cancer

screening, bone mass measurement and mammograms.

• 410,000 young African American adults between ages 19 and 25 who would have been uninsured now have coverage under their parent’s employer-sponsored or individually purchased health plan.

HHS also outlined coverage that would be available in 2014 and thereafter.

• An estimated 3.8 million African Americans who would otherwise be uninsured will gain coverage by 2016.

• Medicaid coverage would expand to include Americans with family incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (currently $30,657 for a family of four) in 2014. This expansion includes adults without dependent children living at home, who have not previously been eligible in most states.

• Individuals with higher incomes (up to 400 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, $92,200 for a family of four) will be eligible to purchase subsidized coverage from the new Affordable Insurance Exchanges.

Handcuffing of six-year-old stirs debate shelf that hit the principal in the Did police in a leg, jumped on small Georgia town a paper shredgo too far when they der and tried to took a six-year-old break a glass Black girl away frame. in handcuffs for The school throwing a temper called police, tantrum? That quesand when an tion is generating a officer tried to debate over whether calm her down educators and law in the princienforcement offipal’s office, she cials are overreacting Salecia Johnson was handcuffed in Georgia for disrupting class. resisted. She was when dealing with handcuffed and taken items off the walls and throwdisruptive kids. away in a patrol car. ing books during an outburst Elementary student Salecia Salecia’s aunt, Candace at a Milledgeville, Ga., school.

Johnson was accused of tearing Ruff, went with the girl’s mother Authorities said she also threw a

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA is standing behind Secret Service director Mark Sullivan as more details about the agency’s prostitution scandal in Colombia continue to emerge. Press Secretary Jay Carney told a White House briefing that Obama has full confidence in Sullivan. The scandal escalated with the disclosure that at least 20 women had been in hotel rooms with U.S. agents and military personnel before Obama arrived for a recent summit with Latin American leaders. Obama called for a “thorough” and “rigorous” investigation of the events that occurred……...THE TWO WHITE TULSA MEN charged with a random shooting rampage that left three Black people dead have plead not guilty to the crimes. Jake England, 19, and Alvin Watts, 33, said nothing during their arraignment, as the presiding judge entered the plea on their behalf. According to news reports, however, both men previously confessed to the crimes.

Despite the charges, England maintains that he harbors no ill feelings toward African Americans, and has Black friends. “I always got along with everybody. It didn’t matter what color you [were],” England told his attorney in a videotaped interview from jail……..GEORGIA GOV. NATHAN DEAL SIGNED LEGISLATION that would require thousands of people applying for welfare in the state to pass a drug test before they could receive benefits. The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the law over the opposition of Democrats.

Supporters argue the law will ensure that welfare benefits are used for their intended purpose and not to subsidize drug use and criminal activity.

Democrats said the measure places an unfair burden on the state’s poor people……..JOURNALIST GEORGE CURRY has been named editorin-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service, a position he held from 2001-2007. Cloves Campbell Jr., chairman of the NNPA, said: “George never really left the NNPA. He moderated many of our panels at our national conventions and has always been there when we needed him. We are delighted that he has agreed to direct the News Service.”

Defender News Services

Continued on Page 6

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 25 WEEK OF APRIL 19, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Associate Editors Reshonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila

Columnist Yvette Chargois Sport Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Photographer Bob Levey

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

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WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012 | DEFENDER

entertainment Steve Harvey

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speaks his mind

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By Kam Williams Defender

orn in Welch, W.Va. in 1956, Steve Harvey is a media conglomerate personified whose career began with stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s.

His success as a comedian eventually led to his own show, a long stint as host of “Showtime at the Apollo,” other acting and hosting roles, writing and producing.

In 1997, his tour with Cedric The Entertainer, the late Bernie Mac and D.L. Hughley led to the taping of one of the most successful comedy concert films in history – “The Original Kings of Comedy” – directed

by Spike Lee. Currently, Harvey serves as host of the long-running syndicated game show “Family Feud.” His presence has rejuvenated the series and increased its TV ratings by more than 40 percent. This fall, he will debut a new syndicated one-hour daily program covering relationships, parenting, the workplace and other topics.

His nationally-syndicated radio program airs Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 a.m. in over 60 markets with approximately 7 million listeners. The show enabled him to share love advice with his listeners through the “Strawberry Letter” segment, where he responds to relationship questions.

That segment’s popularity led to the publication of Harvey’s first book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” in 2009.

His guide to unlocking the male mind was on the New York Times Best Sellers List for 64 weeks, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Here, Harvey talks about the screen adaptation titled “Think Like a Man,” starring Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union and Kevin Hart.

KW: When did it occur to you that “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a

Man” could be turned into a movie?

Harvey: It actually never occurred to me. In fact, as a first-time author, I didn’t expect the book to be a number one best-seller.

So, I had no idea that the book was going to be that much of a success. And when they came to me about adapting it into a movie, my foremost concern was that they not make a mockery of my book.

So, they promised to keep me involved every step of the way, including the script

Steve Harvey

and the casting. I think everybody they put in the film was a great pick.

KW: I know you play yourself in the film. But which of the characters would you say you’re most similar to?

Harvey: Michael Ealy’s character, Dominic. I was definitely more of a dreamer. That was me. Of course, I never met the chick who was making six figures. I was always a dreamer with high aspirations, but I kept coming up short my whole life.

I couldn’t quite nail it down. So, I thought Michael’s character was closest to me, other than that fool, Kevin Hart’s.

KW: What message do you want people to take away from the film?

Harvey: That men and women really do want the same things. We just need each other to bring it out. That’s really the truth of the matter.

KW: How comfortable were you about appearing in the screen adaptation of your own book?

Harvey: I’m not a movie star and I know that. So, I made it perfectly clear that I didn’t have to appear in the film just because it was my book. I didn’t want to hurt the project. I wanted to make a hit movie.

KW: That sounds awfully modest.

After all, you’ve been a TV star for years.

Harvey: TV is a different animal. I belong on that little screen. The big silver screen, not so much, ‘cause I’ve seen my face up close when it’s 25-feet tall. I’m okay Continued on Page 11

Celebrities find their roots on public TV Defender News Services

The PBS series “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr.” explores race, culture and identity through the genealogy and genetics of some of America’s best-known personalities.

The series airs nationally through May 20, and can be seen Sundays at 7 p.m. on Channel 8 in Houston. Gates, a preeminent African-American scholar, is a Harvard University professor, author and literary critic.

In the following weeks, viewers will see the following: April 22: Maggie Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr., discover surprising diversity in their backgrounds, including Swedish royalty, Revolutionary War sol-

diers and Eastern European Jewish immigrants.

April 29: Samuel L. Jackson, Condoleezza Rice and Ruth Simmons find out the truth about the white men hidden in their family trees.

May 6: For Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Margaret Cho and Martha Stewart, research teams travel around the globe to unearth the long-lost stories their immigrant ancestors left behind.

May 13: John Legend, Wanda Sykes and Margarett Cooper learn about the extraordinary challenges faced by African-American ancestors who became free before Emancipation.

May 20: In the series finale, it is revealed that Michelle Rodriguez, Adrian Grenier and Linda Chavez share tangled Spanish colonial roots among Native American, African and European people.

Wanda Sykes

John Legend

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Texas A&M ...Continued from page 3 ....

also help establish policies and initiatives for the corps.

“To be the corps commander in charge of more than 2,300 cadets and the voice for this group is the highlight of my college career and probably my life thus far,” said Alexander.

Alexander graduated from Barbara Jordan High in 2007 in

the top 10 percent of his senior class. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps before enrolling at Texas A&M. He wants to pursue a career in military law or homeland security.

Marquis Alexander will lead A&M’s Corps of Cadets.

Six-year-old...

Continued from page 4

Sale Thursday, April 19 thru Saturday, April 21

“She said [the handcuffs] were really tight,” Ruff said. “She said they really hurt her wrists. She was so shaken up when we went there to pick her up.” to pick her up at the police station. She said Salecia was placed in a holding cell, but the police said the child was taken to the squad room and given a soda.

“She said [the handcuffs] were really tight,” Ruff said. “She said they really hurt her wrists. She was so shaken up when we went there to pick her up.”

Ruff added that, “We would not like to see this happen to another child, because it’s horrifying.

It’s devastating.”

Baldwin County Superintendent Geneva Braziel, however, called the child’s behavior “violent and disruptive.”

Shannon Kennedy, an Albuquerque, N.M. civil rights attorney disagrees.

“Kids are being arrested for being kids,” said Kennedy, who is suing the Albuquerque school district, where hundreds of kids have been arrested in the last few years for minor offenses.

Those offenses range from bringing cell phones to class to destroying a textbook.

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Michael Graves to give business advice Defender News Services

A noted New York City business and media executive will share his expertise with Houstonians. “An Evening with Michael Graves: How to Build Business Success in the 21st Century,” will be held Thursday, April 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Kingdom Builders’ Center, 6011 W. Orem Drive.

He will be joined by other executives for a roundtable discussion. The event is free but advance registration is required to attend.

Graves is founding partner of the Graves

Advisory Group, LLC, in New York. His firm provides clients access to integrated media and corporate relations across key industry sectors. He also serves as a principal and board member of his family’s media empire, Black Enterprise.

Graves was formerly senior vice president and general manager of PepsiCola of Washington, D.C., then the largest minorityowned Pepsi franchise in the U.S. The event is sponsored by the Kingdom Builders’ Entrepreneur Learning Center, which provides services and

education to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The multipurpose facility offers meeting space for groups of 10 to 2,500.

To reserve a seat at the event, register online at KBCHouston. com/MichaelGraves by Tuesday, April 24. For information email Brena Phelps at biz@ thekbc.com.

Michael Graves

T:9.75”

face-to-face home loan help for our customers facing hardship

Bank of America home loan specialists will be in Houston on April 25 –27, 2012

T:6.5”

if you’re a Bank of america customer struggling to make your mortgage payments, please take advantage of this opportunity to sit down with one of our specialists to see how we may be able to help you avoid foreclosure. together, we’ll review your situation and help you complete your documents so you can be eligible for a decision as soon as possible —some customers can even get a decision on site. call 1.855.201.7426 or go to bankofamerica.com/homeownerevent to register and schedule your arrival time. then use our online checklist to help you prepare for your appointment and gather all of the documents that you will need for a successful meeting. if you’re unable to attend this event, you can also speak directly with one of our specialists by calling 1.800.846.2222. or for more information, visit us at bankofamerica.com/homeloanhelp

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. © 2012 Bank of America Corporation. AR60X487

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

S

pring primary elections tend to get overlooked, unless held during presidential election years. This year, however, even with the 2012 presidential election looming seven short months away, other challenges have led many to predict record lows for the May 29 elections.

It is a prediction state officials say Blacks cannot afford to allow.

After a long and contentious legislative and judicial battle, including lengthy reviews by both the Supreme Court and the U.S. Western District Court, maps for the Texas State Senate, House of Representatives and U.S. House of Representatives have been approved.

Subsequently, voter registration deadlines and election dates have changed. This year’s primary elections are set for May 29, with the deadline for registering to vote in those primaries set for April 30.

Many, however, do not believe the public is ready.

“Unfortunately due to redistricting and attempts by the Republican leadership to limit minority electoral opportunities here in Texas, the primaries were pushed back from March to May 29,” said State Rep. Sylvester Turner. “As a byproduct, people will have much more activities on their plate at that time and it will be more difficult to be fully engaged in the primary process.”

“I worry about a low turnout because the date of the primary was in limbo for so long and now it’s been set for May 29, the day after the Memorial Day holiday,” said State Rep. Alma Allen. “The runoff will be July 31, which is also bad.

We have to work hard to remind

folks about the election dates.”

“We are facing some very important issues affecting our community such as funding for public school education and healthcare for our children. A recent report said 1 million Texas children have no health insurance. We have to change that,” said Allen.

A new direction

State Sen. Rodney Ellis is also concerned.

“The legislature slashed $5 billion from our children’s schools, gutted key health care programs for kids and seniors, reduced access to college, all while protecting loopholes that benefit the wealthy and big corporations,” Ellis said.

“This election is about whether we do more of that, or if we go in a new direction in the legislature and help Texas families build a brighter future.”

Some believe the date of the elections being changed twice has soured voters to the upcoming May election.

“It’s been a very long, tedious process,” said former Dallas County Republican Party chairman Jonathan Neerman of efforts to approve maps and set a final date for the primaries.

Franklin Jones, chair of Texas Southern University’s Political Science Department, hopes Blacks learn lessons from 2010 midterm election mistakes when poor turnout opened the door to Democratic losses across the country.

“Becoming focused on the issues beyond who will be the presidential nominee in 2012 is key. As witnessed by recent decisions of the state legislature, Harris County Commissioners Courts and other political bodies, who wins make a difference,” said Jones.

Turner and others believe a low Black voter turnout in May will spell trouble for November in the form of “more extreme” candidates.

“By extreme we mean the types of candidates who advocate more harmful and undercutting approaches to the role of critical

Barack Obama

cover

Countd

to the p

Register by April 30t

By ASWAD Defen

What area voters need • As a result of on-going redistricting litigation, the mailing of new voter registration certificates was delayed. In the absence of approved interim redistricting maps, voter registration officials in many counties were unable to finalize electoral precincts. All previously-issued voter registration certificates expired on December 31, 2011, but only the cards expired – voter registrations remain valid.

• Voters who are currently registered but have no changes to their voter registration (i.e. haven’t moved or changed name) should take no action; their cards will be automatically renewed and mailed to them.

• Voters who are currently registered and remain in their county of registration, but, have changed their address or name will need to submit their updated information to their local voter registrar. services for the community such as public schools and healthcare,” added Turner.

Turner sees a direct connection between participation in the May 29 primary and the November presidential election.

“What we have learned over the past two years both nationally and on the state level is that electing the best advocates for our communities is the most important activity that we can engage in which directly affects our future,” Turner said.

• Vot submi • The • By l Clerk’s Clerk’s • The • The before • For www.V

“As interest groups continue to a which ensure that opportunities for pro need now more than ever strong voice “Voting in the primary election o that fight. It is vitally important for ou a hand in that process,” said Turner.

Nationally speaking

President Barack Obama and GO among the candidates listed on the pri Romney, former governor of Ma rebuild the foundations of the America enterprise, hard work, and innovation. spending, regulation and government Democrats such as State Rep. G “We can support President Oba May 29 primary,” said Coleman. “I b to do that.”

“President Obama is not just a g but because he’s fighting for the legis and poor people,” he added.

Ellis asserts that the issues of th ber presidential election are identical federal levels.

“Health care, environment, tran

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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primary

th, vote on May 29th

D WALKER nder

d to know

ters who are currently registered but have changed their county of residence will need to mit a new voter registration application no later than the 30th day before Election Day. e deadline to register to vote in this year’s May 29 primary election is April 30. law, all requests for a ballot by mail for the 2012 primary elections should be in the County s office by May 22. To obtain a ballot-by-mail application, voters can call the Harris County s office at 713.755.6965 or visit www.harrisvotes.com. e early voting period for the primary election is May 14-25. e deadline to register for the Nov. 6, 2012 presidential election is 30 days e the election (Oct. 6). information on how to register to vote or to determine if you are already registered, visit .VoteTexas.gov or contact the Office of Secretary of State at 512-463-5701.

assault the values, ideals and tenants rosperity exist in our communities, we es that will fight for our beliefs. on May 29th is the starting point in ur community to participate and have

OP frontrunner Mitt Romney are imary ballots. assachusetts, says if elected, he will an economy on the principles of free . He also wants to reduce taxes, t programs.

Garnet Coleman stand by Obama. ama by voting for him during the believe the president will ask people

good president because he’s Black, slation that we need as Black people

he May 29 primary and the Noveml, and under attack at the state and

nsportation and education solutions

that help everyday people are tossed aside, and more of our money is given to those at the very top. The question for 2012 is ‘Do we keep moving forward, or put the people who drove our economy into a ditch back behind the wheel?’ It’s really that simple,” said Ellis.

Allen and other local officials believe there is a lot individuals can do to make sure the Black vote on May 29 is significant.

“Vote and encourage your friends to vote. Remind folks that the date has changed. If they’re going to be out of town on May 29, encourage them to vote early,” said Allen.

Turner urges voters to engage in immediate research.

“Start now and research the candidates running as your representatives. Before you know it, the election will be upon us and if you are uninformed you will be left behind,” said Turner.

“On state level, public education and Medicaid have been cut; programs we use,” said Coleman. “We need people that represent our interest in place. That’s why I would encourage people to start talking about the issues.”

“It may sound hokey, but our right to vote was delivered through the blood, sweat, tears and, in too many cases, the lives of those who came before us,” Ellis said. “There is a very real reason so many fought so hard to ensure you and I had the right to have our voice heard. Use it.”

e Houston area for over 80 years

Black vote needed in November 2012

A

frican Americans are being urged to vote in the 2012 presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, in numbers equal to if not exceeding 2008 turnout rates. Observers believe that the pressing issues of this year’s presidential race demand the same intensity and voter turnout as four years ago.

In 2008, 55 percent of eligible Blacks ages 18 to 24 voted on Election Day, and 65 percent of eligible Blacks of all ages voted, according to the U.S. Census. Overall, about 96 percent of them voted for President Obama.

Individuals as well as institutions such as the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies argue that though the prospect of electing the nation’s first Black president in 2008 was historic, this election is just as important to the Black electorate.

Dr. Franklin Jones of TSU noted that in 2010, Black voter turnout in the midterm elections stymied potential political progress.

“There was a lackluster appreciation of midterm elections by African Americans and the Democratic party, which resulted in conservative victories in Harris County and the nation in general. It had the effect of retarding the development of what looked like a progressive spark in our politics,” said Jones.

Closing the wealth gap and rescuing the shrinking middle class are two pressing issues for Blacks. Health care access is another issue.

“Racial and ethnic groups have higher incidences of diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer, et cetera,” said Brian D. Smedley, vice president and director of the Health Policy Institute at the Joint Center.

“That prevalence [of chronic diseases] comes with a price tag in terms of excess direct medical costs; nearly $230 billion over a four-year period that we studied.”

Jones believes Democrats will use issues of Voter ID and the attacks on women’s rights to mobilize college students, Hispanics and female voters to counter what they perceive as Republican attempts to reduce their influence in the electorate.

“It may sound hokey, but our right to vote was delivered through the blood, sweat tears and, in too many cases, the lives of those who came before us,” Ellis said. “There is a very real reason so many fought so hard to ensure you and I had the right to have our voice heard. Use it.”

Mitt Romney

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Zimmerman trial judge steps aside Defender News Services

The Florida judge chosen to preside over George Zimmerman’s trial for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin has recused herself because of the “events” and “circumstances” surrounding her involvement.

Defense attorney Mark O’Mara filed paperwork asking Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler to step down because her husband is a partner of attorney Mark NeJame, who is under contract with CNN to provide analysis of the case.

Zimmerman, 28, remains in the Seminole County Jail, charged with second-degree murder. On Feb. 26, the neighborhood watch captain fatally shot Trayvon, an unarmed Black teenager.

Sanford, Fla. police did not ar-

rest Zimmerman, prompting public outrage across the country. Special Prosecutor Angela Corey had Zimmerman arrested on a charge of second-degree murder, and Recksiedler was assigned the case.

O’Mara also said Zimmerman is bothered by his conscious and that Trayvon’s death “weighs” on him. He added that Zimmerman was thinking of apologizing to Trayvon’s family.

“Understand that George fully well realizes that he was involved in some way in the death of another young man,” O’Mara told ABC News.

“He does not take the result of that altercation lightly at all. That weighed on him, I would imagine, more than the isolation, more than the last six weeks, more probably than the threat of what is to come in the system,” O’Mara said.

George Zimmerman remains in jail following his arrest.

To Better Serve You… Now You can pick up a Defender at SAFE STARTS

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• 5609 Uvalde Road • 3111 Woodridge Drive • 12035 Antoine • 2121 FM 2920 • 24224 Northwest Freeway • 5225 A Buffalo Speedway • 6102 Scott Street • 1701 W. Alabama Street • 22618 Aldine Westfield Road • 10100 Beechnut Street • 11815 Westheimer Road • 14498 Bellaire Boulevard • 8900 Highway 6 • 4724 Highway 6 • 12680 West Lake Houston Pkwy.

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APRIL IS NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING MONTH 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 starts with calling 811 to have your utility lines marked. By doing so, you can be certain where your electric, gas, water and other important lines are located as well as avoid causing serious injuries, service interruptions or possibly costly fines for damaged infrastructure. Make the call. It’s easy, and free. Respect the lines. Dig with care.

After all, safety is in your hands… but always on our mind.

For more information on natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

© 2012 CenterPoint Energy 120537

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11

Steve Harvey...Continued from page 5 ....

as long as you keep me in that little box.

KW: What message do you have for someone who believes that a woman should not think like a man?

Harvey: Don’t think like a man, and let’s see where that gets you. Thinking like a man doesn’t mean you have to stop acting like a lady. “Think like a man” is just a catchphrase. What I really want is for women to know how a man thinks. You don’t have to think like a man at all if you don’t want to. But, good luck, call me, and let me know how it works out for you.

KW: Of which of your many achievements are you most proud?

Harvey: I’d have to say I’m most proud of my mentoring camp that I do in Dallas every year for one hundred boys from singleparent homes. I was raised by a mother who was a Sunday school teacher and a father who worked hard. Together they taught me to give back. Other than that, I’m also very proud of my stand-up career. I’m sure it’ll be a pretty emotional night on August 2nd when I hang it up for good at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Those two things have set the benchmark of who I am.

KW: I think of stand-up as one of the toughest things to do in the world. It’s just you and a microphone.

Harvey: Let me explain to you just how difficult it is. You can take lessons to become almost anything: flying lessons, piano les-

Steve Harvey’s book-signings have attracted standing-room-only crowds.

sons, skydiving lessons, acting lessons, race car driving lessons, singing lessons. But there’s no class for comedy. You have to be born with it. God has to give you this gift.

And there are only a few who can earn a living at it. It’s been an honor and a blessing.

KW: What do you think of the Trayvon Martin case?

Harvey: It’s very simple for me. Let’s remove the race issue for a second, because as long as we make it a racial issue, it forces

people to take sides, and that’s the part I don’t like. So, let’s forget all the 911 calls and the fact that the police said “Don’t follow him.” And let’s ignore all the speculation about who was hollering for help. Just imagine that your child goes to the store to buy an iced tea and a bag of Skittles. And on his way home, he’s shot dead by an adult male with a gun who admits shooting him. What should we do about that? Let’s go from there.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

Harvey: I see a man who finally found some joy in his life, and I’m overjoyed about that. It has a lot to do with my wife and my faith. I finally figured out the difference between fun and joy. Joy resides on the inside. You don’t have to go anywhere to get it. It’s all really cool.

KW: How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person?

Harvey: It taught me how powerful women really were. And it made me respect them all the more. I said, “Wow! I’ve just discovered something. I have to have one of those to feel good about myself.

And when they don’t want me anymore, it hurts.”

KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

Harvey: A very, very good work ethic.

KW: You were transformed spiritually when you did that “He Ain’t through with Me Yet” concert. I got goosebumps watching the end of that show.

Harvey: There has been nothing more impactful on my life and meaningful to me than the introduction of Christ. That, hands down, blows away every joke I’ve ever written. When I did it that night, it was the first time I’d ever done it on stage. And the whole room exploded. That was the most powerful performance of my entire career.

Notice of Public Meeting Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, TX (METRO) will hold a Public Meeting on Monday, April 30, 2012, at noon to receive public comment about proposed changes including:

referencing the June 2012 Service Change or visit METRO’s website at www.RideMETRO.org to make comments. You may also telephone METRO’s Customer Service line at 713-635-4000 with your comments.

New Services — 59 Aldine Mail Crosstown

Comments should be received by METRO no later than the date and time of the Public Meeting.

New Contract Services — 412 Greenlink Circulator Non-Renewal of Contract Services — 320, 321, and 322 routes Route Re-alignments — 20, 29, 37, 38, 42, 50, 70, 87, 102, and 297, 298 routes Schedule Changes — 18, 25, 33, 46, 53, 85, 212, 221, 244, 246, 247, 255, 256, 257, 265, and 297 routes The Public Meeting will be held in the METRO Board Room on the 2nd floor at 1900 Main Street in Houston, TX (served by METRO Routes 3, 9, 11, 15, 24, 30, 44, 52, 56, 60, 66, 77, 78, 88, 102, 108, 137, 249, and METRORail). The meeting will also be streamed live on www.RideMETRO.org.

Copies of proposed timetables and maps will be available Monday, April 23, 2012, for public review online at www.RideMETRO.org, or at METRO’s office, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays, and at our three METRO Outreach offices located in Las Palmas Shopping Center at 6215 Harrisburg (served by Route 50), in Palm Center at 5330 Griggs, Suite A104 (served by Routes 5, 77), and at 2613 Fulton (served by Routes 15, 78).

How to Comment about the Service Change You may attend the Public Meeting or write to us at METRO, ATTN: June 2012 Service Change, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. You may also fax your comments to 713-652-7956 with a subject line

Help for People with Disabilities For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Please call 713-750-4271 or 713-635-6993 (for persons with a hearing impairment) a minimum of five working days prior to the Public Meeting.

Language Interpretation Any person who requires language interpretation or special communication accommodations is encouraged to contact METRO Community Outreach at 713-739-4018 or via email at na01@ridemetro.org. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

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

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

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

community forum 2012 Join Us for a Discussion on the Future of Education Be part of an important dialogue on the higher education opportunities in our community.

Houston Community College plays a vital role in providing access to quality education and in significantly impacting our region’s economy. HCC leadership will present its Long-Range Facilities and Finance Plan to enhance programs and services. The following HCC leaders will be in attendance: Trustees, Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor and COO, Presidents and Master Planner. We welcome your input on the plan for our community as we work together to fulfill our vision for the future.

Plan to attend one of the following Community Forums to be held throughout the HCC District:

Wednesday, April 25, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 1, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

West Loop Campus 5601 West Loop South, Houston, TX 7708

Central Learning HUB 1300 Holman Street, Houston, TX 77004

Thursday, April 26, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

South Campus 1990 Airport Blvd., Houston, TX, 77051

Thursday, May 3, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Northline Campus 8001 Fulton, Houston, TX 77022

Tuesday, May 8, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, April 27, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Alief Campus 2811 Hayes Rd., Houston, TX 77082

Midtown/Medical Center Area Third Ward Multi-Service Center 3611 Ennis, Houston, TX 77004

Visit hccs.edu/forums to learn about our Long-Range Plan and provide input.

Defender_Com.Forum.week.two.19th .indd 11 XHCC Community Forum Print Ad All Forums 27.indd

4/5/12 4/5/12 1:01 12:58PM PM

12

DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

autoreview

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

They call it the “Ultimate Adventure Edition.”

That’s because there isn’t a situation or problem the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara sports utility vehicle can’t handle or solve.

This vehicle is powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 166 horsepower and 162 pounds-perfoot of torque. Matched with an automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, the all-new Grand Vitara can conquer any terrain with relative ease.

The ride is unbelievably smooth with four-wheel independent suspension, 18-inch wheels and four-wheel disc brakes.

Interior features include automatic climate control with microfilter, driver seat height adjuster and AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system equipped with an auxiliary jack along with a

brake assist, dual stage front air bags, front seat side impact supplemental air bags, side curtain air bags with rollover MSRP base price - $23,949 (as tested - $24,569) sensor and tire pressure moniEngine – 2.4-liter four-cylinder toring system.

Transmission – Automatic with off-road capability Additional safety features Fuel economy – 19 miles per gallon (city), 23 mpg include daytime running lamps, (highway) keyless entry, unibody conEstimated annual fuel cost - $2,775 struction and LATCH system for child seats. voice activated navigation The Grand Vitara has earned a four-star rating in the system with touch screen rollover category by the National Highway Traffic Safety display, traffic and weather Administration (NHTSA). information, Google search In addition to being fun to drive with a comfortable intefor gas, ATM and food, and a one-year subscription rior and ample power at your disposal, the 2012 Suzuki Grand to Gamin Nulink access.

Vitara Ultimate Adventure Edition is environmentally friendly Other interior amenities include cruise control, power with solid scores in global warming and smog. windows, doors and mirrors along with steering wheel Optional equipment includes all-weather floor mats, first mounted audio controls. aid kit and cargo mat and Bluetooth with soreen graphics.

The “Ultimate Adventure Edition” includes cool Suzuki offers one of the best warranty packages available two-tone water resistant seating, heated front seats, leatherin the automotive industry.

The Grand Vitara has a 100,000 wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps and side view mirror turn mile/seven -ear transferable powertrain limited warranty with signals. year around 24/7 roadside assistance.

Safety and security features include electronic stability All this comes for less than $25,000. control, traction control system, anti-lock brakes with EBD,

SPECS

2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan It comes with a big silver S on the front grille.

Bold, better and beneficial to all buyers interested in a four-door sedan, this sedan has room for five occupants to ride comfortably.

This is the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi sedan that possesses ample power, a smooth ride and options to play with in this age of functionality and versatility.

The powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve engine matched with an automatic transmission that converts seamlessly.

I enjoyed the ride, courtesy of an Autobahn tuned suspension with KYB shock absorbers, four-wheel independent suspension with rear fivelink, four-wheel disc brakes with Akabono components and variable assist power steering.

Interior ame-

nities include dual zone automatic climate control, a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB port steering-wheel controls and a tilt/ telescoping steering wheel.

Additional interior features include a multifunction trip computer, dual illuminated sun visors, 60/40 split rear seat, rear center armrest with passthrough and cupholder and power windows, door locks and mirrors all around.

Safety and security features include electronic stability control, front, side and rear crash compliant, traction-control system and eight standard air bags. Added safety features are front and rear head curtain, tire pressure monitor system and an ultra-rigid body structure with high-strength steel.

The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi sedan earns a four-star rating in the rollover category.

Options include a premium SE leather

SPECS

MSRP base price - $23,890 (as tested - $24,304) Engine – 2.4-liter four cylinder Transmission – Four-speed Fuel economy – 23 miles per gallon (city), 30 mpg (highway) Estimated annual fuel cost - $2,137 (based on $3.70 per gallon

package with leather-appointed seating, dual powered front heated seats, 10-way power driver’s seat, cruise control and leather steering wheel and shifter.

The environmental performance rates high with a seven in global warming score and a so-so with a four in the smog score.

Fuel economy is 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

One admirer thought this was a BMW or Chrysler sedan at first glance. To say the least, the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is impressive.

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

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012 | DEFENDER

13

2012 Mazda2 Touring Compact

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

The exterior color was “spirited green.”

That pretty much tells the story of the 2012 Mazda2 Touring compact car. It’s got a feisty personality with a functional approach.

Perhaps the ideal selection for the individual that wants to learn how to operate a manual transmission.

A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 100 horsepower and 98 poundsper-feet of torque is ample enough power to get you from point A to point B. Yet it’s manageable enough power to keep you safe and out of harms way.

Other mechanical features include independent front suspension, electronic power assist steering system along with front disc and rear drum brakes.

The Mazda2 is a “Low Rider” that like Mazda says has “The Soul of a Sports Car.” Only this is more like the soap box derby variety. The front-wheel drive helps with the acceleration.

Exterior features include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler, intermittent front windshield wipers and rear window defogger and wiper.

rity features beginning with advanced dual front and side impact air bags and curtains.

Additional safety features are anti-theft engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brake system (ABS) with EBD and brake assist.

This vehicle is equipped with bumpers that can withstand an impact of 2.5 miles per hour with no damage to the vehicle’s body and safety systems, although the bumper and related components may sustain damage.

The 2012 Mazda2 compact has a collapsible steering wheel, crushable brake pedal, five-passenger eight-point safety belts, LATCH child safety seat MSRP base price - $15,855 (as tested - $16,820) Interior amenities inanchors and triple-H Engine – 1.8-liter four-cylinder clude five-passenger seating body construction.

Transmission – Five-speed manual capacity, tilt leather steering Mazda’s warranty Fuel economy – 29 miles per gallon (city), 35 mpg wheel with audio and cruise features 36-month/36,000 (highway) controls, power windows mile bumper-toEstimated annual fuel cost - $1,732 and door locks, driver side bumper coverage, one-touch up/down feature, 60-month/60,000-mile upgraded Touring cloth seating, air conditioning with polpowertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance. len filter and a 12-volt power outlet.

All the above and long periods in between visits to

There’s a long list of standard safety and secuthe gas pump.

SPECS

2012 Mazda3i Touring 5-Door Hatchback One stop at a local fast-food This vehicle drives like establishment confirmed my a dream and is powered by suspicions. a four-cylinder engine that Before I could say a word, conjures up 155 horsepower at MSRP base price - $18,950 (as tested - $20,425) the attendant looked at the 2012 your disposal. Matched with Engine – Four cylinders Mazda3i Touring 5-Door Hatcha six-speed manual transmisTransmission – Six-speed manual back from the front bumper to sion, the Mazda3i can zip Fuel economy – 27 miles per gallon (city), 38 mpg the rear. in and out of traffic with the (highway) Perhaps it was the flashy greatest of ease.

Estimated annual fuel cost - $1,793 indigo lights mica exterior color.

Don’t be fooled by the Then again, it might have been power though, it gets great gas the sporty appearance with stylish highlights that included a mileage. Can you accept 27 miles per gallon in the city and 38 black front grille insert and trim with body-colored exterior mirmpg on the highway? After a week of test driving, I still had a rors and door handles. half-tank of fuel left when they picked it up.

She just said that she liked it. Enough said. I liked it as Interior features included five-paswell, so we were on common ground.

There’s a lot to like about the latest version of the hatchback.

For starters, I never thought in a million years that I would say sporty, stylish and functional in the same sentence about a hatchback. It’s got a rear lift-gate and roof spoiler that harbors a cavernous cargo area complete with a tonneau cover.

SPECS

senger seating, tilt and telescoping steering column, leatherwrapped steering wheel with audio/climate and Bluetooth controls along with power windows and door locks.

There was a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth seats and carpet floor mats, air conditioning with pollen filter and dual map and courtesy lights. In addition to these needed amenities, there’s an adjustable driver’s seat height lever, center armrest with covered storage, two 12-volt power outlets and a nice sound system.

Safety and security features include an anti-lock brake system with brake assist, remote keyless entry, crashable brake pedal, advanced dual front and front side-impact air bags along with triple-H body construction.

The 2012 Mazda3i earned a five-star rating in the frontal driver category from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Four stars were earned in crash passenger, side front seat and rollover divisions.

Optional equipment on this test vehicle included a rear bumper step plate, interior lighting kit and SIRIUS satellite radio.

Did I mention an 80-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance?

I was even comfortable in the back seat. That’s not easy for those of us standing over six-feet tall.

Leave it to Madza to take care of the details.

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14

DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012

sports

Cougars reload

defendernetwork.com

UH head coach Tony Levine conducts his first spring workouts.

under new Coach Levine

By MAX EDISON Defender

T

he Houston Cougar football program’s 2011 season was arguably the most successful in school history. The team finished 13-1, including a perfect regular season record (12-0) and a win over Penn State in the Ticket City Bowl.

With that level of success change is inevitable. Head coach Kevin Sumlin accepted the top job at Texas A&M and was replaced by Cougar assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Tony Levine.

Levine, in his first head coaching opportunity, will be tasked with unenviable mission of reloading a talented Cougar squad; an opportunity that he has patiently waited to materialize.

“I’ve always wanted to be a head football coach,” Levine said. “As an assistant I’ve worked for some great head coaches: Kevin Sumlin, John Fox, Bobby Petrino, Tommy Tuberville, Jack Bicknell. I always would come to them and make suggestions. The biggest difference now is ultimately I’m the person making the decisions.”

The Cougars boasted the most prolific offense in college football in 2010. Levine loses the record-setting, AllAmerican tandem of QB Case Keenum and receiver Patrick Edwards as well as a bevy of additional offensive stars.

One would think that with all the personnel losses Levine would be apprehensive. But after completing spring workouts and the annual Red & White scrimmage, Levine is fired up about what fans can expect from his 2012 Cougars.

“We will be a young, fairly inexperienced team this fall, but I was very pleased with the way we worked during the spring workouts,” Levine said.

“We worked very hard with quite a few new coaches on offense and defense and the players responded very well. We will be inexperienced, but I think that brings an excitement to us offensively.”

On offense, redshirt sophomore David Piland takes over from Case Keenum and Levine likes what he has observed.

“We were able to redshirt David in 2011 and he travelled with the team and basically shadowed Case Keenum. David started eight games for us in 2010 when Case and Cotton Turner were injured in the UCLA game.

“He’s matured physically Cornerback D.J. Hayden is an All-Conference performer. and mentally and has a much firmer grasp of our offense now,” “We implemented the 4-3 this Levine said. “You could see the spring and the kids picked it up very growth and development in his quickly” Levine said. “Our coaching game throughout the spring.” staff has great teachers and I’m really With the loss of all four excited about how quickly the players starting wideouts from the MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION picked up the scheme and the depth we 2011 season, Piland will AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY have on defense.” start from scratch to Levine expounded on three key will be accepting responses to a Request for Proposal develop a new set. defensive players who distinguished for the following service: “With the excepthemselves during spring workouts. tion of returning runPRE-EMPLOYMENT HEALTH SERVICES “Senior cornerback D.J. Hayden ning back Charles Sims, Scope: MHMRA of Harris County expects to enter into a relationship with a Vendor qualified to provide Pre-Employment Health Services. we don’t have a receiver from Elkins will be one of the best corners in the country. Senior Phillip or another back that has Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department, located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite ever scored a touchdown Steward from Hightower led the nation 100, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7300 and/or via for us,” Levine explained. in interceptions by a linebacker (six) MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Tuesday, April and sophomore Derrick Mathews from 24, 2012. A Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for Wednes“Junior Dewayne Peace day, May 2, 2012 @ 11:00 a.m., 7011 Southwest Freeway. The had a tremendous spring for us North Shore started every game last deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is year as a freshman linebacker,” Levine Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Responses to the Request for Proposal at receiver. Sophomore Daniel (RFP) must be submitted to Purchasing Department by 11:00 a.m., on said.

Spencer, who was recruited as Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, “They all had great springs and will Texas 77074 in a sealed enveloped marked "REQUEST FOR PROa running back and played some POSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012, “PRE be pivotal to us this fall. Defense will be as a true freshman, had a terrific -EMPLOYMENT HEALTH SERVICES ”. Any questions pertaining to one of the strengths of our team.” this request for proposal should be addressed in writing attn: spring as well at the wideout.”

Marguarette Washington, Senior Buyer via fax at (713) 970-7682 or The Cougars have one more season Defensively, the Cougars will E-mail questions to attn: marguarette.washington@mhmraharris.org in C-USA before beginning play in the cc sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to shift from a 3-4 defense, which they reject any and/or all responses to the Request for Proposal deemed Big East Conference in the 2013 season. ran the previous seasons, to a 4-3 to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularUnder Coach Levine expect the team to ities in submitted documents and are not obligated to accept all defensive alignment. responses to the Request for Proposal. continue to be an explosive unit and a QB David Piland is the new Cougar consistent winner. signal caller.

classified

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WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Myorca Young

Options open for Lamar star

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

M

yorca Young is strongly considering becoming an attorney when her athletic

career is over.

A standout senior sprinter at Houston’s Lamar High School, Young says college coaches are constantly asking what she might major in when she begins college next fall.

“I like to talk and ask questions so I’ve always thought that being a lawyer would be the way to go,” she said. “But I know that once I get to college things may change and other areas may become interesting to me.”

The daughter of former University of Houston “Phi Slama Jama” basketball great Michael Young, Myorca began running track when she was seven years old.

“Back then I was a little chubby, but I was always fast,” she said. “I only wanted to run the 100 when I first started out. My dad eventually suggested that I expand my limits to address a hip injury and to help keep my weight down.

That’s how I started running the 200 and 400 along with the relays.

“This is the first year in the last five that I’ve been injury-free and able to increase my speed so I’m pretty happy about that,” Young said.

At last week’s District 20-5A track and field championships, Young placed first in the 400 (56.12 seconds), second in the 200 and anchored Lamar’s 4X100 relay into the Region III-5A meet at Turner Stadium next week.

Young has the fastest 400-meter time in the state among

Class 5A participants this season (55.20), which she ran at the 2012 Texas Southern University Relays.

“I hope to get down to 54 seconds at the regional meet, but my goal coming into my senior year was to reach 53 seconds,” Young said. “I was pleased with the outcome in the 400, and considering the two events were so close together, I’m happy with the second place in the 200.”

In the 4X100 relay, Young combined with Mikia Edomobi, Tia Omagbemi and Jasmine Heggins to earn a berth in the regional meet.

“We’re battling some injuries in the relays and we had two freshmen on the 4X100 tonight so we’re doing pretty well,” Young said. “I think we have a good shot at getting the 4X100 rely to state.”

Young qualified for regionals last year in the 400-meter run and placed fifth. She’s looking forward to a return visit to the regional meet where her expectations are much higher. “I didn’t get to state in the 400 last year, but I’m determined to do better this year.”

Lamar High’s Myorca Young is considering offers from several colleges.

15

The challenge of coming from an athletic family has always excited Young. Her older brother Joseph recently concluded his first season for the University of Houston men’s basketball team.

“People know about my dad, but my mother had a chance to play professional basketball,” Young said. “My oldest brother Michael played football and my younger brother [basketball] and sister [track] are into sports as well.”

Young says she played basketball and volleyball as well before finally settling on track. “Playing multiple sports got to be kind of a grind so we thought it was best for me to concentrate on one sport.”

Currently undecided on where she wants to attend college, Young says she’s considering offers from Texas State, UTSA and TCU among others. “I heard from Nebraska this week so I want to talk with them,” she said.

Young has a 3.2 grade-point average and her favorite subjects in school are science and social studies. She scored a 25 on her ACT college entrance exam.

“I’m looking forward to making some college visits in the next few weeks and I hope to make up my mind before the state meet [May 11-12] in Austin,” she said.

Young likes to swim and hang out with friends when she wants to relax. “I’m not much of a party person,” she said.

One of her favorite foods is hamburgers. “I know hamburgers aren’t good for track athletes, but I still like them,” she said.

Sporting pink running shoes after she completed her night’s work at the District 20-5A meet, Young revealed pink is her favorite color. “Everybody was saying that I stood out,” Young said.

She’s also hoping that she stands out at the upcoming regional and state track meets.

Yates standout heading to Oregon Damyean Dotson will be playing his college ball at the University of Oregon. The Yates High School senior guard/forward decided Oregon was the right fit for him because the team has a lot of seniors leaving and spots will be open for him to gain playing time. Dotson overcame an early-season injury to lead Yates back to the state tournament for the third time in four years.

He scored 26 points in the state semifinal game against Denton Ryan, including seven three-pointers. Dotson scored a team-high 23 points in a heart-breaking loss to Dallas Kimball in the Class 4A championship game.

North Shore’s Williams taking talents to A&M Courtney Williams has the ability to play down in the post with her 6-foot-1 frame or go out on the perimeter and wreak havoc to opponents. This blend of talents made her a McDonald’s All-American and she has decided to make Texas A&M her home for the next four years. “The lady that recruited me [Johnnie Harris], I’ve known her since the eighth grade when her daughter and I were on the same AAU team,” Williams said. “We’ve become very close and I feel comfortable going to A&M.”

Houston soccer teams earn state berth in tournament The Morton Ranch boys defeated Cypress Ridge 1-0 in the Region III-5A title game to earn a berth in this weekend’s state soccer tournament. The Seven Lake’s girls’ won a shootout over Clear Lake to advance to state. Other Houston area schools that will be making an appearance in this weekend’s state soccer tournament are Klein Oak (Girls’ 5A) and Friendswood (Boys’ 4A).

A Clemens retrial, why?

The federal government is taking Roger Clemens to court again. The first trial, held last July, ended in a mistrial after just two days when prosecutors showed jurors evidence that had been ruled inadmissible. “The Rocket” is charged with perjury, false statements and obstruction of Congress for telling a House committee under oath, in both a public hearing and in a deposition with committee staff, that he hadn’t used steroids or human growth hormone during his 24-season career.

The question is, does anybody really care and is it worth the millions of dollars in taxpayer money to find out?

Shouldn’t Congress have something more important to do, like say cooperate with the president, than invest in this colossal waste of taxpayer time, money and resources. The prosecution has five attorneys and Roger has six. You see who the real winners are in this.

Nneka Ogwumike is No. 1 Former Cy-Fair and Stanford All-American Nneka Ogwumike (six-feet-2) was recently the No. 1 player selected in the WNBA 2012 draft by the L.A. Sparks.

Nneka, who graduated from Stanford three weeks ago with a degree in psychology, will now be paired with former UConn All-American and college Player of the Year Candace Parker. Ogwumike averaged a double- double this season, 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds and led the Cardinals to the Women’s Final Four before losing to eventual champion Baylor.

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16

DEFENDER | WEEK OF APRIL 19 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT…….On Aug. 6, 1989, BRUNCH….....In memory of the late Vincent Rachal, the a fatal automobile accident took the life of Reginald Houston Chapter of Xavier University of Louisiana Alumni Association has renamed their annual jazz brunch in his honor Keith Guillory shortly after graduating high school. A because of his dedication and commitment to the chapter and scholarship fund was later created in his honor. The Reginald Keith Guillory Scholarship Academic Achievement Awards the university. About 100 alumni attended this year’s event Luncheon was recently held at the and included Dr. Norman C. Francis, beautiful Column A and 12 students president of Xavier University of Louisiana; Join Yvette Chargois received scholarships and 11 students Dr. Frederick Carter, national alumni Events of the Week were honored. Scholarship recipients president, and Randall McHenry, chapter More photos on defendernetwork.com included Jeremiah Armstrong, president. Also attending were Joyce See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Jeremy Armstrong, Alexis Bailey, Rachal, Angela White, Consuela and with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Lindsey Ealy, Jeremiah Eaton, Edmund Broussard, Grace and Roberto Moolchan, Father Borgia Aubespin Chelsea Gamble, Michael Harris Jr., and Paula Saizan, to name a few. Continued success!.....

Jacoby Johnson, Jalen McGhee, Kendall Perkins, Terrell AGENCY LUNCHEON…..The Harris County Precinct Richardson and Kindell Whiting. We salute his parents One Street Olympics, Inc. hosted its annual participating Mary and Edward Guillory Sr.; Dr. John B. Sapp, board agency luncheon at Finnigan Park in preparation for the president; Betty Brewer, chairman of the board; emcees approximately 10,000 youth that will be participating in Carol and Charles McCloud, and other parents and friends competitive street games such as jacks, hula hoop medley, for supporting this event. Continued success!.........JAZZ

basketball free throw, Frisbee accuracy, kickball and much more, in hopes of winning a gold, silver or bronze medal at the “Finals” to be held later this summer at Reliant Center. This year marks the 26th anniversary for the Street Olympics Summer Games and over 50 agencies attended.

Founded by Commissioner El Franco Lee, this promises to be the best year yet. Good Luck!......KUDOS…..For the seventh year, the Port City Chapter of The Links, Inc. collaborated with South Central Sportz to bring a health, science and education fair to its 11th annual Baseball and Softball Opening Day Ceremonies attended by hundreds of folks…….The Houston Chapter of The Links, Inc. recently awarded $22,000 to honor six local non- profits based on their efforts to enhance the quality of women’s lives by providing healthcare assistance to them. The organizations receiving funds included the American Heart Association, Dorothy Height Center for Health Equality, Sisters Network, American Diabetes Association, The Rose and March of Dimes………

From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Dr. John Sapp and Carol and Charles McCloud

Mary and Edward Guillory, Sr.

Jeremiah Armstrong, Jeremy Armstrong, Betty Brewer, Alexis Bailey and Jeremiah Eaton

Edmund and Consuela Broussard and Dr. Norman Francis

Randall McHenry, Angela White and Dr. Norman Francis

Joyce Rachal and Dr. Francis

Benetria Bateman and Dr. Shirley Williams

Kamilah Banks and Anika Davidson

Commissioner El Franco Lee and Constable Kenneth Berry

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