Houston Defender: April 25, 2013

BUSINESS

SBA DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR MARIE JOHNS LEAVES HER MARK ON THE AGENCY P10

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 82 | Number 26

APRIL 25, 2013 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

Summer

NATIONAL GOV. DEVAL PATRICK

governs during crisis

activities for kids

P3 OPINION OPINION

JULIANNE MALVEAUX says CNN got it wrong

H Page 8

P6 SPORTS ANTRON BROWN makes auto racing history

P14 CHAG’S PLACE

Terry Grier

discusses grades

Bert Jennings III and Jodie Jiles at 100 Black Men Metropolitan Houston gala

P16

The rankings of Texas schools are out, and HISD dominates the top and bottom of the area list. Find out what Superintendent Terry Grier has to say about achieving goals.

See which schools passed and which schools failed. Learn why the African-American community has cause for concern.

Mike Tyson

tells the truth Former heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson no longer makes his living in the ring, but he’s still entertaining crowds across the country. Read about his current “Undisputed Truth” tour and latest movie role. Discover his thoughts on everything from artichokes to Evander Holyfield.

H Page 2

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

H Page 5

2

DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

Area schools receiving an F* High schools (10 out of 14) Lee, HISD Willowridge, Fort Bend ISD Yates, HISD Westbury, HISD Jones, HISD Worthing, HISD Sterling, HISD Wheatley, HISD North Forest, NFISD Kashmere, HISD

Local schools pass, fail

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

he annual rankings of Texas schools

by Children at Risk show while some local schools continue to excel, others continue to decline.

This year, Children at Risk assigned each school a letter grade (A-F) based on comparative performance on its indicators, and a number of predominantly Black schools received a failing grade.

Though a few can be found in Alief, Fort Bend and the North Forest school districts, in addition to some charter schools, the majority are in HISD, and many have been at the bottom of the list before.

HISD also dominated the top of the Children at Risk rankings for the second year in a row, with six of the top 10 elementary schools, three of the top 10 middle schools, and six of the top 10 high schools in 2013.

HISD high schools receiving an F, however, include Wheatley, Worthing and Yates.

Failing middle schools include Attucks, Holland and Ryan, and failing elementary schools include Blackshear, Gregory Lincoln and Kashmere Gardens.

Why are these schools failing?

“We would need more time to do a proper analysis of the methodology used by Children at Risk to see how it is actually ranking schools,” said Jason Spencer, HISD general manager of media relations.

“However, one issue that appears to negatively impact most of the schools on the list is the relative high percentage of special education students. Many of the measured indicators would be unfavorably skewed at a school with significant percentages of special education students.

“The average special education population for HISD school with a ‘failing’ grade on the Children at Risk is 17% of the total school

def

Middle schools (10 out of 11) Long, HISD Northwest Prep Holland, HISD Ryan, HISD Walipp-TSU Prep Forest Brook, NFISD Black, HISD Dominion Academy Charter School, HISD Attucks, HISD Victory Prep Elementary schools (19 out of 28)

Superintendent Terry Grier said HISD has made undeniable progress but still has work to do.

population, with one school as high as 29%.

That compares to a district-wide average of 8%,” Spencer said.

On the opposite end of the rankings are HISD’s “A” schools. Top-ranked high schools include DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Carnegie Vanguard and Eastwood Academy. Middle schools high on the list are T.H. Rogers, Briar Meadow and Kaleidoscope, and elementary schools include T.H. Rogers, River Oaks and Oak Forest.

In acknowledging the top schools, Superintendent Terry Grier said, “Today is a day for everyone on Team HISD – students, parents, teachers, principals, bus drivers, food services workers, custodians, police officers, maintenance workers, administrators, and everyone else – to take pride in the great work happening in schools across our district.”

“We are showing the nation the great things that can happen when an entire community rallies around the children entrusted to our public schools. We still have work to do if we are to achieve our goal of truly becoming great all over, but the signs of progress are undeniable.”

Spencer said HISD is also working to solve the problem of failing schools on the elementary, middle and high school level.

“Three of the schools are being supported through the Apollo program, receiving additional funding for tutors and extended instructional time. The other five are being supported through HISD’s tiering system, directing more resources to those schools deemed to be the neediest academically,” he said.

“In addition, HISD voters recently approved a bond referendum to replace aging high schools, many of them in historically AfricanAmerican neighborhoods, with modern new campuses that will better enable teachers to incorporate technology and group learning into their lesson plans,” Spencer said.

This fall, HISD will see its African-American student body grow when NFISD is merged into the district. How will HISD handle more students from low-performing schools?

“We have considerable experience working with schools that have large populations of students who are mobile (moving from school to school because of family reasons), often with

Blackshear, HISD Harmony School of Ingenuity Kashmere Gardens, HISD Whidby, HISD Harmony School of Fine Arts Gregory Lincoln, HISD Heflin, Alief ISD Hilliard, NFISD Harmony Science Academy Briargate, Fort Bend ISD Foster, HISD Sneed, Alief ISD Woodson, HISD Thompson, HISD Northwest Prep Zoe Learning Academy Young, HISD Victory Prep *Fort Bend and Harris County schools

Visit defendernetwork.com for complete list of area schools interrupted educations and large deficits in learning,” Spencer said.

“HISD has also applied for a federal grant to open two new magnet schools in North Forest that will emphasize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction. ” ..

localbriefs RESIDENTS OF WEST continue to cope with the aftermath of the fertilizer plant explosion that killed 14 people and injured 200 others. Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the fire that set off the explosion. The April 17 blast leveled a fourblock area around the plant and left hundreds of people homeless and in need of help. Six firefighters and four emergency medics were among the dead. President Obama declared the area an emergency and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts……..THE TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION voted 10-5 for a resolution urging the

Texas Legislature to abandon efforts to support or promote vouchers, tax credits or any other diversion of funds to private schools that could be used to fund already underfunded public schools. “I felt it disrespectful to our communities and this seat if we sat and entertained anything short of fully supporting this anti-voucher resolution. We owe it to our constituents, families and Texas scholars to ensure proper educational opportunities,” said board member Marisa Perez of San Antonio.……..LOCAL VETERANS can find help with employment through the “Hiring: Red, White & You!” initiative established by the Texas Medical

Center. The next job fair is Wednesday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hornberger Conference Center, 2151 W. Holcombe Blvd. The initiative has helped more than 1,000 veterans find jobs. “Overall, nearly one in 12 of our nation’s heroes can’t find a job to support their families, and don’t have work that provides them with the confidence and pride that is so critical to their transition home,” said retired Army Colonel John B. Holcomb, M.D. “Our service members who fight to protect our freedoms abroad shouldn’t have to fight for jobs when they return home.” For more information visit hiringredwhiteandyou4veterans.com.

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

APRIL 25 | 2013 | DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs fendernetwork.com THE MISSISSIPPI MAN charged with sending ricin-laced letters to President Obama, a U.S. senator and a Mississippi judge has been released and charges dropped. Paul Kevin Curtis was released as the FBI searched the home of a possible second suspect amid an apparent probe into whether Curtis might have been framed. A search of Curtis’ home turned up no ricin, nor did investigators find any other physical evidence tying Curtis to the mailings. Ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans……..

FEWER BLACK MALES were enrolled in the first year of medical schools last year than 32 years ago, a trend that, if left uncorrected, could hamper efforts to provide quality health care to underserved communities. According to a study by the Association of American Medical Colleges, Black women account for nearly twothirds of the students entering the first year of medical school. “This positive trend for racial and ethnic minority women is not mirrored in their male counterparts: Black or AfricanAmerican males are applying to, being accepted to, and matriculating into medical school in diminishing numbers, which speaks to the increasing need for medical schools to institute plans and initiatives aimed at strengthening the pipeline,” the report stated……..A DEBATE in Florida’s House of Representatives over a Republican-sponsored ban on race and sex-selective abortions became extremely heated recently, causing several Black women lawmakers to walk out in protest. The bill would make it a third-degree felony in Florida to perform an abortion based on the race or gender of the fetus. Rep. Barbara Watson (D-Miami), one of the members who left, said she felt the bill’s author was manipulating information to reflect his personal beliefs about abortion.

Florida representatives passed the anti-abortion bill after a long, fiery debate by a vote 71-44, sending it to the state Senate.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 26 - APRIL 25, 2013 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager Clyde Jiles Multimedia Manager Tiffany Williams Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2013 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

3

DECEMBER 13 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts gives an update during the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Patrick governs during crisis

M

Defender News Services

assachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick became a familiar face to millions of Americans during the tragic and dramatic events surrounding the Boston Marathon bombing.

Patrick remained calm, confident and reassuring while giving directives and updating the public and media on the attack, which killed three and injured more than 180.

Speaking at a news conference following the April 15 explosions, Patrick said, “We’ve had a horrific attack here in Boston this afternoon.” He asked Boston residents and visitors to stay out of crowds, make their way home or to their hotels, and alert authorities to any information they had about the attack.

Later, at a memorial for the victims, Patrick said Massachusetts represented the ideals of equality, opportunity, freedom and fair play.

“An attack on a civic ritual like the marathon, especially on Patriots’ Day, is an attack on those values,” he said. “And just as we cannot permit darkness and hate to triumph over our spiritual faith, so we must not permit darkness and hate to triumph over our civic faith.”

Throughout the five-day ordeal, Patrick joined other officials in keeping Boston safe and keeping America posted on the identification of the two suspects, their gun battle with police, the death of Tamerlan Tsarnaev and the escape and capture of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

Sen. William “Mo” Cowan, D-Mass., Patrick’s former chief of staff, praised the governor.

About Gov. Deval Patrick

Deval Patrick was elected governor of Massachusetts in 2006 and re-elected to a second term in 2010.

Patrick came to Massachusetts in 1970 at the age of 14. He was born in Chicago and reared by a single mother.

He became the first in his family to attend college, and graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law School.

He practiced law with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He later became an attorney in the private sector, and rose to senior executive positions at Texaco and Coca-Cola. In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed Patrick as assistant attorney general for civil rights.

Patrick and his wife Diane have been married more than 25 years and have two adult daughters.

“In a situation as serious and shocking as we’ve seen in Boston this week, we have seen a great display of leadership and stability from Gov. Patrick,” Cowan said.

“This is not the first time Gov. Patrick has been called upon to lead us through crisis, and he knows that in these moments, people need their public leaders to offer strength, clarity and confidence in the work ahead.”

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

4

DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

Homelessness in Houston on the decline

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

T

he Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County recently celebrated its 30th anniversary on a positive note. Preliminary results of its 2013 count show a 27 percent drop in homelessness.

The decrease is attributed to a corresponding increase in individuals living in permanent supportive housing.

“This focus on placing individuals and families into permanent supportive housing has been a collaborative effort among many homeless services providers and the results are evident,” said Marilyn Brown, president and CEO of the nonprofit Coalition.

“Persons in stable housing are better able to overcome their difficulties when supportive services are offered.”

In a Q&A with the Defender, Brown discussed the latest report and the Coalition.

Defender: The preliminary results show a 27 percent drop in homelessness. How were the

results obtained?

Brown: Every year the Coalition leads the effort to do a physical count of persons on the streets or in shelters on a single night. This is called the Point in Time Homeless Count and is required by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department. This count is done in every community in America and must be done in the last 10 days of January.

Beginning in 2011, the Coalition contracted the services of an epidemiologist from UT Health to design a methodology that would be used consistently when doing the street count.

The 27 percent decline is a result of using this same methodology since January 2011 so that the January 2013 count would be reliable.

To physically count those individuals seen on the streets, in bus stops, behind abandoned buildings, sleeping in cars or in other places deemed unsafe for human habitation, hundreds of volunteers travel in teams of four in a car and cover every street in Houston, Harris County and Fort Bend County between the hours of 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The number of individuals sleeping in shelters on that night are recorded in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) which is the master database used by all service providers and managed by the Coalition.

Defender: What has been the secret to the Coalition’s success over the last 30 years?

Brown: The Coalition has responded to the needs of the homeless service providers and the community at large over its history. Having been Continued on Page 12

APRIL 25 | 2013 | DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

Mike Tyson

entertainment

5

tells the ‘undisputed truth’

B

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

orn in Brooklyn in 1966, Michael Gerard Tyson is an all-time boxing great who, in his prime, struck fear in the heart of any opponent he squared off against.

He compiled an impressive record of 50 wins, five losses and one disqualification (for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear) over the course of an incomparable career in which he became the first undisputed heavyweight champ to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF title belts simultaneously.

“Iron Mike” has weathered a host of woes and controversies outside the ring, including allegations of spousal abuse, a rape conviction and prison term, the death of his 4-year-old daughter Exodus in a treadmill accident, and declaring bankruptcy after frittering away over $300 million in prizefight purses.

Today, he is a happily married man, with two children, Milan and Morocco, by his third wife, Kiki.

Tyson is currently on a 36-city tour in “Undisputed Truth,” a one-man Broadway show which is part comedy/part confessional.

Here, he talks about his lat-

est movie, “Scary Movie 5,” co-starring a rogue’s gallery of controversial celebrities including Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Katt Williams and Snoop Dogg.

KW: What interested you in “Scary Movie 5?”

MT: It’s a franchise that’s going to last ‘til the end of time. I wanted to be involved with that. I don’t care how silly it comes across.

It’s more so for us than for kids.

It’s adults acting

stupid and silly.

KW: What was it like working with this cast?

MT: Everybody was great. Ashley [Tisdale] was awesome. I got an autographed picture of her for my niece.

KW: How did you get into acting?

MT: Just from messing around with a friend, Jim Toback, the director of “The Pickup Artist.”

I always used to see him in New York and talk to him when I was younger. Anthony Michael Hall brought me onto the set of one day in about ’86, and Jim and I became acquainted and then good friends, and he started putting me into his movies, first “Black and White,” and then we did “Tyson.”

He thought I was an interesting character.

After that, I did “The Hangover” and got bitten by the acting bug. I have a lot of friends who’ve won Oscars, and they started telling me I could do it, too.

KW: How is the play coming along?

MT: We’ve been doing just great, selling out every night. And I couldn’t believe the reviews. I couldn’t believe it was me they were talking about. They’re saying “Remarkably funny!” and “Moving!” I was like “They’re talking about me?” The biggest honor I had so far was when the comedian Jeff Ross told me he

Former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson is touring in a one-man show and appearing in “Scary Movie 5.”

Continued on Page 7

what’sup MORGAN FREEMAN said the opportunity to work with TOM CRUISE was a big factor in his decision to co-star in the new science fiction thriller “Oblivion.” Freeman portrays the leader of a secret underground movement left behind on Earth. The film debuted at No. 1 at the box office, earning $38.2 million…….. Folk singer RICHIE HAVENS died April 22 of a heart attack. He was 72. Havens toured more than 30 years and recorded 30 albums. His big break came in 1969 when he opened at the legendary musical festival Woodstock.

Havens was a native of Brooklyn. He is survived by four daughters and five grandchildren……..African-Americans representing politics, entertainment and sports can be found on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The list is divided into five categories: leaders, pioneers,

artists, titans and icons. Included are President BARACK OBAMA, First Lady MICHELLE OBAMA, White House advisor VALERIE JARRETT, California Attorney General KAMALA HARRIS, BEYONCÉ, JAY-Z, FRANK OCEAN, TV producer SHONDA RHIMES and LEBRON JAMES…….. LUKE JAMES is excited about his new gig as opening act for Beyoncé on her tour in Europe. “This is a blessing that I do not take lightly,” he said. James was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 2013 Grammy Awards for his single “I Want You,” and nominated for Best New Artist at the 2012 Soul Train Awards........“Criminal Minds” star SHEMAR MOORE just turned 43, and remains one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors. He recently opened up about his past relationships with HALLE BERRY

and TONI BRAXTON. “It was a wild ride with Toni,” he recalled. “She would never sing for me, though. That always bothered me.” He said Berry “was the first woman to really knock my socks off. I fell hard for Halle…I was smitten not just because of who she was, but because we were so similar in so many ways. She was biracial, she was kind of going through the same things I was in Hollywood,” he said……..

WHOOPI GOLDBERG is finding success with her documentary on the late comedienne JACKIE “MOMS” MABLEY. It’s titled “I Got Somethin’ to Tell You,” and it recently debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. HBO has acquired all U.S. broadcast and home video rights to the documentary. It will air on the network later this year. Goldberg said Mabley was a “huge inspiration” to her.

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

6

DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

opinion

Blame a dark-skinned man

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

I

John Cole, The Scranton Times-Tribune

don’t know where CNN’s John King got the information that a suspect in the Boston bombing was “a darkskinned male,” but beyond apologizing, he needs to explain himself.

How many sources gave him the false tip? If it was fewer than two, then he violated a basic journalism rule.

Who were these sources (if you don’t want to out them publicly, tell your editor)?

Did King understand that he used the kind of racial/ ethnic coding that once got people, even uninvolved and innocent people, lynched?

Remember Charles Stuart?

He was riding through Roxbury (used to be the ‘hood) when he says a Black man, wearing a jogging suit with a stripe on the sleeve, shot him and his wife in an attempted carjacking.

Pregnant Carol Stuart lived for just a few hours, and their baby, delivered by C-section, lived for only 17 days.

Stuart’s report of the alleged incident sparked a national outpouring of sympathy of him, and an excoriation of “Black criminals” who do such senseless things.

The police were going door to door looking for a suspect, and several Black men were interrogated. Stewart identified one man in a line-up, and police were building a case against him when it discovered that Stuart’s wounds were self-inflicted and that his brother had helped him slaughter his wife.

Meanwhile, Stuart collected at least $100,000 from an insurance policy on his wife, using the money to pay for a new car in cash, and to buy jewelry. Unable to face the consequences of his actions, Stuart committed suicide by jumping off a bridge.

Stuart was too much a coward to be judged by a jury of his peers, but hundreds of Black men could not escape the injustice of the Stuart accusations.

The Roxbury community was traumatized by the results of Stuart’s lies. Innocent men were questioned, many spending time at police stations in an effort to clear themselves. Those questioned and detained included students, professional men, the unemployed, and everybody in between.

When in doubt, blame a Black man, any Black man, and let the chips fall where they may.

In 1994 Susan Smith, a South Carolina housewife, said that a Black man stole her two children. Later, she confessed to killing her own children. Again, dozens of innocent Black men were stopped, frisked, and taken to

police stations for questioning.

Clearly, Susan Smith was mentally ill, but she wasn’t so broken that she didn’t know that blaming her children’s disappearance on a Black man gave her lies more credibility.

The Stuart and Smith cases made headlines in the late 20th century. Now, our feet are firmly planted in the 21st century. Does this kind of racist stereotyping still take place?

While these kinds of cases no longer make headlines, I wouldn’t be surprised if any of these occurrences continue to be. When in doubt, blame a Black man.

So here comes CNN’s John King, a heretofore respected newsman, who repeatedly said that a “darkskinned man” was a suspect in the Boston bombing. Here we go again.

This kind of false reporting makes every dark-skinned man in Boston a suspect, reminds Bostonians of the Stuart hoax, and sends a shudder through those African-Americans who remember police officers going door to door in housing projects rounding up the Black men.

Thanks, John King. Your job is to report the news, not make it. I wonder if you will apologize as many times as you said “dark-skinned man” or if you will ever explain where you got your false information. I’d hate to think that you transitioned from journalist to creative writer when you shared this information.

Some will say no harm was done because there was a correction. No harm was done if you don’t know the history. If someone described an alleged criminal as a White man with brown hair, it is unlikely that the police would go door to door looking for a White man with brown hair.

That’s the basic racism that is the foundation of our nation’s history. John King’s erroneous reporting reminds us how easy it is to blame a “dark-skinned” man.

defendernetwork.com

HISD: Failure is not an option

T

he Children at Risk school ranking raises red flags that HISD, the largest public school system in Texas, is failing Black children.

We compliment HISD for a job well done at the predominately white schools but we are concerned about our Black kids. Many of the schools (posted on our website) that received F’s were Black schools and it’s not the first time they have been at the bottom of the list.

When schools fail, HISD fails, and the Black community cannot sit idly by while our future is threatened.

We realize that HISD is taking certain steps to try and alleviate the problem. We are glad to see aging schools in Black neighborhoods replaced because of the bond election victory. But an old school does not keep a school district from teaching or a child from learning. Many of us went to old schools and we learned.

One of the reasons HISD stated some schools were failing was because of the high special education population – 29% in one case – but what about the other 71% who are not in special ed? Why are those children in a failing school?

Stop hiding behind old schools and special education statistics. And ask yourself some serious questions: Why is it that at failing schools such as Yates and other Black schools, students can’t take books home? How are they expected to learn? What about homework?

The responsibility of making sure our kids get a good education is not just HISD’s. It rests squarely on the shoulders of parents and our community.

There’s an old adage that when you point a finger, there are more fingers pointing back at you. We need to roll up our sleeves and get involved.

Soon, the Defender will call upon the community to join us in an effort to “Make HISD BETTER.” We want you to help us identify the problems and solutions. Together we can change this ranking of Black schools and help our children be better prepared for the future.

Failure is not an option for our kids.

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

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 25 | 2013 | DEFENDER

Mike Tyson...Continued from page 5 liked it and said, “You’re one of us, now.” That was just amazing.

KW: What was the hardest punch you ever took in the ring?

MT: A bunch of guys really rang my clock. Razor Ruddick, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield. They all did a number on me.

KW: How you think you would’ve matched up against some of the other heavyweight greats in the ring?

MT: I have no idea. I just did what I did in my era, basically because of my admiration for the guys who came before me. That’s how I’ve always looked at it. I never thought of boxing like, I’m going to be the greatest fighter ever and make a lot of money.

Instead, I thought I was going to win because I learned from the best. I carefully studied the videotapes of all the fighters from the past, dissected their styles, and entered the ring with their spirit.

KW: You’ve had a long and varied career that involved lots of press coverage. What’s the thing you’d most have us remember about you?

ties.

MT: Overcoming my adversi-

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

MT: I see an old, broke-ass Black guy taking care of a bunch of kids, living life, taking them to school, and all that stuff, who’s asking himself: What the hell is this?

But I wouldn’t give it up for the world because I love my wife. I never expected to have a life like this.

No chaos, no confusion, no lawsuits, no violence, no going to jail.

KW: What is your earliest childhood memory?

MT: Being in the hospital at about 5 years of age, after I drank some Drano. I remember it like it was yesterday. My mother had a bunch of people over the house, and I drank it because no one was paying me any attention.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

MT: Artichokes.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

MT: That my daughter could still be with us.

We’ve added 30,000 students in the last 5 years.

Expanded facilities help us keep growing to meet community needs.

LoneStar.edu/Bond2013

Bond Election May 11

No tax rate increase

Mike Tyson and his wife Kiki arrive at the premiere of “Scary Movie 5.”

7

8

DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

cover

S

a fo

Texas Southern University offers a Youth Enrichment Program for area young people.

Plan ahead for children

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

I

t may not seem like it from the unseasonable weather, but summer is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a summer program for your child, there are plenty to choose from. Families have dozens of options to keep kids engaged during Houston’s sweltering summer months. The Defender has rounded up a selection.

EDUCATIONAL CAMPS

Texas Southern University Youth Enrichment Program

This four-week comprehensive academic/recreational program designed for elementary and secondary school students offers core academic courses (reading, math and English), as well as recreational classes designed for self-improvement. YEP provides students with specific skills designed to help reinforce their academic and social development for the next school year.

Ages: Elementary and secondary students Dates: June 10-July 5 Cost: See website Location: TSU campus More information: www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges__schools/college_of_continuing_education/yep.php

University of Houston Camps

These popular programs officer a variety of camp courses for computer, foreign language, science, writing and technology classes.

Ages: 7-17 Dates: June 10-July 18 Cost: $779 weekly, extended day $999 weekly, overnight $1249 weekly Location: University of Houston campuses More information: www.compucamp2013.com

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Xploration Camp

A summer of education and adventure awaits your child at HMNS. Xplorations Summer Science Adventures are week-long, hands-on science summer camps featuring science activities for children.

Dates: June 10-Aug. 23 Cost: Varies from $255-$275 (HMNS members receive discount) Location: HMNS, 5555 Hermann Park Drive and HMNS SUGAR LAND, 13016 University Blvd More information: www.hmns.org

ALL-ENCOMPASSING PROGRAMS

Houston Parks & Recreation Department

The parks department has dozens of activities for area youth, including track and field, golf, swimming, Ages: 4-18 Dates: Year-round Cost: Varies, and many activities are free Location: Varies More information: www.houstontx.gov/parks/

Camp Innovation

Camp Innovation offers sports activities, field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, and scatter ball, along with learning opportunities in two Houston locations.

Ages: 3-13 Dates: June 1-Aug 6 Cost: $155 a week Location: 2405 Navigation Blvd.

More information: www.campinnovation.com/

YMCA of Greater Houston

This camp offers a variety of activities and locations.

Children will have the opportunity to play games, explore science and enjoy technology, arts and crafts, field trips and swimming. A Family Camp is also available at the Resident Camp-Camp Cullen YMCA facility.

Ages: 5-11 for Day Camp, for 12-15 Teen Camp Dates: Weekly Sessions June 10-Aug. 23 Cost: Facility members, $120; program members, $150

The Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the Hershey’s Track & Field progr

Location: Various locations More information: www.ymcahouston.org

Houston Zoo’s Camp Zoofari

Campers learn about the animals, nature and wildlife conservation.

The hands-on activities include feeding the giraffes, brushing the goats and petting snakes and lizards. Artistic kids can sign up for wildlife photography or wild art, a camp devoted to sculpting, drawing and sketching animals and nature.

Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 10-Aug. 16

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

rpage

defendernetwork.com

9

Summer

activities or kids

The Ensemble Theater Young Performers Camp is for youth with an interest in the arts.

Dates: June 10-13, June 17-20, June 22, July 29-Aug. 1 Cost: $30 to $240 Location: UH campus More information: www.uhcougars. com Velocity-Nike Sports Summer Camps Coaches, professional athletes, and all-American student athletes have come together to offer the best quality training for specific sports.

Ages: 6-14 Dates: Sports training is offered in football from June 21-25, basketball from June 21-25, volleyball from July 12-16, baseball and softball from July 12-16, and soccer from Aug. 2-6th.

Cost: Non-member, $325; sibling, $275. Member, $275; sibling $225.

Location: 10535 Jones Road More information: www.velocitysp.com/cyfair/sports_ camps

Visit defendernetwork.com for activities for the entire family.

MUSIC/ART/WRITING

Ensemble Theater Young Performers Camp

ram.

Cost: Half day, $140; full day $240 Location: Houston Zoo More information: www.houstonzoo.org/education/camp-zoofari/

SPORTS CAMPS

University of Houston Summer Basketball Camps

UH Coach James Dickey and staff will offer three day camps and one position camp. Includes team and individual competitions and awards recognition at the end of camp. Space is limited and early enrollment is encouraged.

Ages: Boys grades 1-12

he Houston area for over 80 years

The Young Performers Program is for young people wanting to explore their creative and artistic talents. Since 1983, more than 3,000 Houston-area youth, including some who are now professionals on Broadway, film and television, have participated in the program, which combines the study of theater, dance, music, arts education, technical, creative dramatics and performance.

Ages: 6-17 Dates: Various four-week sessions, June 10-July 6, July 8-August 3 Cost: $600, extended day $700 Location: The Ensemble Theater More information: Call Teresa White, Artistic Associate, 713-807-4309

Rice University Girls Rock Camp

Girls form bands and create their own songs at this one-week day camp focused on musical instruction and self-empowerment.

Ages: 8-18 Dates: July 29-Aug. 4 Cost: $350 Location: Rice University

More information: 713-518-7365

All Around This World Music Camp

Children can learn about the music and culture of different countries around the world. Each session spotlights different regions including Latin America, Africa, South and Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Baltics, West Asia and the Middle East, and Oceania and the Pacific Islands. Vanover Music Academy’s certified music instructors lead the classes, singing international songs with the kids while teaching music theory.

Ages: 2-8 Location: Vanover Music Academy, 2419 Sunset Blvd.

More information, including dates and cost: 713-8078600 Main Street Theater Blast Off! Worlds of Imagination Camp Kids are split into age groups. The members of each group collaborate to create original theater and dance pieces. They invent the characters, write the story, design costumes and set, and perform what they’ve created on the final day.

Ages: 2-8 Location: Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Boulevard, More information, including dates and cost: 713-5246706

Writers in School Camp

This creative writing camp offers a supportive environment where children engage in writing stories, poetry, essays, and plays, as well as simply reading for pleasure. Children discover the joy in writing, the intrigue of language, and the confidence of authorship. Students will work with teachers and writers, and the low teacherstudent ratios ensure individual attention. Workshops end with a culminating performance and/or reading, and each child will receive an anthology with their published work.

Ages: Students who will enroll in grades K-12 in fall 2013.

Cost: $495 Location: Varies More information, including dates: www.witshouston. org/creative-writing-camp

10

DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

business

defendernetwork.com

Deputy administrator leaves mark on SBA NNPA News Service

Marie Johns, the retired president of Washington Verizon, was busy managing a consulting firm when she received an unexpected call three years ago from the White House.

“I got a call one day from White House personnel to come in and talk about a position with the administration,” she recounted. “Of course, given the historic nature of President Obama’s ascendancy to the presidency, I was honored to answer that call.”

That call was to become deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration, a federal agency that provides small businesses with access to capital, federal contracting as well as training and counseling.

The Senate unanimously confirmed her for the post on June 22, 2010.

At the end of May, Johns plans to return to her consulting firm, proud of the record she is leaving behind.

“Coming to the SBA was a natural for me,” she said. “I had been focusing on small business for many years.”

Michael A. Grant, president of She had been around the National Bankers Association, small businesses all of her credited Johns with restoring trust life. between the NBA, most of whose “During the 1950s my members are Black, and the federal grandfather started a small agency. landscaping company in our “She actively and aggressively hometown of Indianapolis,” worked to include minority banks in she said in a note to the SBA all new programs,” he said. “Instead staff notifying employees of of merely urging small banks to her intention to resign. “It develop stronger ties to big banks, went on to become one of the she made sure that happened…She is first African American-owned incredible.” businesses to win a state conJohns said her agency has helped tract in Indianapolis. small businesses access more than Johns is proud of her ac$286.3 billion in federal contracts – complishments at the SBA. $32 billion more than the preceding “All across the SBA, we three years. have worked hard to address Marie Johns took care of business at the When pressed to cite her greatest the needs of underserved com- Small Business Administration. accomplishment, Johns said, “I would munities,” she said in her note.

“We have worked together to improve processes and say leaving a legacy of commitment to the underprograms with the goal of making the SBA one of served agenda for the SBA and really putting in place programs and initiatives that will carry on.” the best places to work in the federal government.”

T:9.75”

T:6.5”

The Texas Lottery Commission Invites You to Attend:

“Doing Business Texas Style” Spot Bid Fair

In conjunction with: DFW Minority Supplier Development Council’s ACCESS 2013

The Texas Lottery invites small, historically underutilized, and minority-owned businesses to participate in a spot bid fair held in conjunction with the DFW Minority Supplier Development Council’s ACCESS 2013. Businesses will have a unique opportunity to compete for bid awards and network with state agencies and institutions of higher education.

Location: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas | 500 West Las Colinas Blvd | Irving, TX This event is FREE of charge!

Bids available for view at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/bidops/current_bid_opportunities/index.phtml For more information contact: Tiffany Dockery Mays: (512) 471-2863 or tiffany.dockery@austin.utexas.edu Dominik Mendoza: (512) 389-4538 or dominik.mendoza@tpwd.state.tx.us

© 2013 Texas Lottery Commission. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, May 13, 2013 | 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2013 | 9:30 am - 11:30 am & 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 25 | 2013 | DEFENDER

11

There’s power in the purse

By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL Nielsen

D

epending on the day, what you’re reading or who you’re listening to, the economy is either still in the tank, in recovery, getting worse or is on the upswing. Whatever the fluctuating state of the American economy, money is being spent. And, guess what, ladies? The economic oil that keeps the wheels and workings of our world turning is largely controlled by us.

Want to know just how much purchasing power we pack in our purses? Any guesses?

Well, if you guessed between $5 trillion and $15 trillion – you were correct. This is the collective annual estimated purchasing power range of women in America, which is more than the GNP of dozens of small countries. Do you know what that means?

An eye-opening report from FleishmanHillard, Inc., a global, full-service public relations agency, tells us that women will be in control of two-thirds of the consumer wealth in this country within the next 10 years. No matter what economic position any of us find ourselves in right now, I want us all to feel an integral part of the whole – feel your power.

Just think how far we’ve come. Women couldn’t even vote before 1920 (of course, for those of us who are Black, that right came some decades later), and now we control most of the purchasing decisions in our households. And, the way things are looking, we may even have our first female president of the United States in the near future.

Whether it’s groceries, new clothes, a new sofa, car or even a new

house, it’s usually our (final) call. We appreciate their input, but we all know how challenging it can be to persuade the men in our lives to accompany us shopping – and the numbers bear that out. Women do most of the shopping, or have a major say in it.

However, we must give credit where credit is due. Nielsen research indicates that men are stepping up. In fact, the number of shopping trips we make has actually decreased in most shopping channels between 2004 and 2012.

With men, their average number of shopping trips has increased during that time, except for grocery and drug stores.

There is another critical component for manufacturers and marketers to keep in mind when examining consumer need and creating new advertising and outreach strategies. Women also outspend men $14.31 per trip at the supercenters

and $10.32 per trip to the grocery store.

Other Nielsen studies document how women come into the world with the inherent abilities to juggle multiple balls and wear many hats, in addition to being able to see the big picture; so I’m surmising that those Godgiven female tendencies add up to pre-planning involved for most trips to the market.

Advertisers should also pay attention to how much content we consume. In 2012, women over 18 spent more time watching video on all the platforms available than men did. On average, we viewed a little more than 191 hours of video each month, which is up from 184 hours in 2011. (My senses are telling me that much of that viewing time was logged probably while preparing dinner, picking up around the house or answering emails on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.)

Men spent over 18 spent almost 175 hours a month watching video, compared to 170 hours the previous year. The bottom line is this: whatever you or I do as consumers – how we shop and how we watch our favorite shows and other content – contributes to the whole. We hold the power.

Average number of shopping trips, 2004-2012 Women (2004)

Women (2012)

Dollar Stores

75

Mass Merchandisers

74

72

Super Stores

70

69

Drug Stores

66

68

Grocery Stores

63

63

Warehouse Clubs

63

61

Convenience Stores/Gas

46

43

Men (2004)

72

Men (2012)

Dollar Stores

25

28

Mass Merchandisers

26

28

Super Stores

30

31

Drug Stores

34

32

Grocery Stores

37

37

Warehouse Clubs

37

39

Convenience Stores/Gas

54

57

INVITE YOU TO ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK!

classified DENTURES $0 CO-PAY! $200 EYEWEAR ALLOWANCE! Must Have Medicare and Medicaid to Qualify. For Details Call 1-800-704-3307 24 hrs, for Free Report.

STOP BY:

Invitation for Bids Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of the following project no. CM 2013 (737) on US 290 from West of Pinemont to East of 43rd Frontage Rd, bid date is May 7, 2013. Quotations may be mailed to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 or faxed to (512) 707-0798 or emailed to bbiisw@bbiius.com.

DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: www.txdot.gov/business/letting-bids/plans-online.html E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.

Also take Advantage of LAPTOP WAREHOUSE’S EXCLUSIVE $199 BUY 1 GET 1 FREE LAPTOP, ANDROID PAD, or COMPLETE DESKTOP. Over 5000 Laptops in Stock!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Rated R for crude and sexual content, language and some drug use. Winners will be chosen at random and notified by mail.

AVAILABLE APRIL 23 ON BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK WITH DVD, DIGITAL COPY AND ULTRAVIOLET™

12 DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

Homelessness ...Continued from page 4 often restrained by the started by a joint decision of city limitations placed on the and county government in 1982 at funding they receive as to a time when Houston was experiwhat type of client they encing a huge economic downturn leaving many individuals and can serve. So the result families homeless, the mission of is often that a person is the Coalition grew when in the placed in a program that late ‘80s, the federal government doesn’t accurately address began to address the homeless his/her needs. issue by granting dollars to local One major improveservice providers. ment that will be on line To qualify for these dollars the by the end of 2013 is the federal government required that introduction of the Cooreach community designate one dinated Access system. agency to submit a single applicaThe Coalition is working tion on behalf of the many agenwith the service providers cies applying for funding. The and funders now to design Coalition has performed that role a common assessment since that time, bringing a little tool, set up appropriate over $23 million into the Houscommunications channels ton area in 2012 to fund multiple and create a single wait agencies offering a variety of list on which persons will Marilyn L. Brown (l.), president and CEO of Coalition for the Homeless, is joined by board president Stephen L. housing and services programs. be prioritized according Williams and board member Donna Herron In 2009, the federal governto need. ton, Harris County and Fort Bend County... ment passed the Homeless Emergency and Rapid A person entering homelessness will only Defender: What is the biggest challenge facTransition to Housing (HEARTH) Act. This act have to place one call or go to one center to be ing the Coalition and the homeless population requires that each geographic jurisdiction which accessed, triaged for the best solution fit and retoday? receives HUD funding must establish a comferred to the agency with the program most approBrown: Today, our system is still functionmunity-based Continuum of Care composed of priate to address his/her needs. People who need ing as independent units with little coordination service providers, funders, community members, less help to get rehoused can be rapidly returned between service providers. Someone entering government and academia. The Houston/Harris to housing while someone else with greater chalhomelessness has no idea where to go to get the County Continuum of Care includes all of Houslenges will be placed in a service-rich program. most appropriate services. Service providers are

defendernetwork.com

APRIL 25 | 2013 | DEFENDER

13

Update on the Texas legislative session State Sen. Rodney Ellis of Houston and State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon of San Antonio are calling on Texas to establish a Timothy Cole Exoneration Review Commission to investigate convictions of innocent people.

Cole, a Black veteran and Texas Tech student, was wrongly convicted of raping a fellow student in 1985. He died after serving 14 years in prison and was posthumously pardoned. HB 166, offered by McClendon, would create the commisState Sen. Rodney Ellis sion.

“Currently, when an innocent person is wrongfully convicted, our system does not have any institutional mechanism to evaluate the conviction, find out what went wrong, and correct the mistakes that caused a miscarriage of justice,” Ellis said.

He added that Texas has had more exonerations (117) than any other state in the country.

“It is time for Texas to take the next step in creating a more effective, trusted and just criminal

paying back the entire loan plus interest at once, which is required in many loan agreements. The bill now heads to the House for approval.

State Rep. Garnet Coleman of Houston announced that a bill he sponsored requiring insurance plans to cover eating disorders was passed out of the House Insurance Committee. The legislation, HB 3227, extends mental health coverage for such disorders as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Coleman is seeking support for two other bills. HB State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon State Rep. Garnet Coleman 3326 requires certain health justice system by passing HB 166…,” Ellis said. benefit plans to provide coverA payday loan bill recently approved by the age for self-inflicted injuries of a minor that occur Senate gives Texas consumers additional protecin a suicide attempt or as a result of a serious mentions when financing short-term loans. The bill intal illness. cludes tough regulations on interest rates and seeks HB 3324 would add gender identity or expresto prevent a number of potential abuses. sion to the list of classes covered under the state As amended, the bill would cap the annual hate crimes law. The legislation would provide percentage rate of short -term loans at 36 percent. It tougher penalties for those who violently target would also allow consumers to make partial repayindividuals based on their gender identity or ment of the principle in installments, rather than expression.

14

DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

sports

defendernetwork.com

Antron Brown makes auto racing history

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he NHRA’s O’Reilly Auto Nationals come roaring into Houston to satisfy racing fans’ need for speed. The April 26-28 event will feature the 2012 defending world champion in the top fuel category, Antron Brown.

Brown won the Houston event last year in route to a historic season of dominance, eventually capturing the world title. With his title Brown became the first African-American driver in history to win a major auto racing title.

We first introduced Houston sports fans to Antron Brown some six years ago when he was a top contender in the pro stock motorcycle category. Since then Brown has made the difficult transition to top fuel dragsters (2008) and in five short years has become the king of the hill in that category.

Taking a reflective look back, Brown reasoned that it was unavoidable for him to race.

“My grandpa and grandma, along with my mom and dad, got me started with dirt bikes back when I was around four,” he recalled.

“That’s how I first got caught up in this need for speed and excitement. ”Everybody in my family is big fans of the sport. I always loved riding and racing motorcycles and that was the background for ultimately getting involved in NHRA.” Brown, a New Jersey native, was a gifted high school athlete who thrived on competition.

“I’ve always been very competitive, no matter what I do. Whether it’s racing dirt bikes, playing football, basketball or track and field, I tend to be competitive,” he said.

Not only was Brown fast on two wheels he was equally speedy on two feet, earning a college scholarship in track.

“I ran a 4.3 forty in high school,” he said. “In college I was a scholarship track guy at Mercer Community College up in New Jersey. I ran between 10.2 and 10.5 (seconds) in the 100 meters back then.”

Despite being a world-class sprinter with a university scholarship and a promising future, Brown could not escape the seduction of racing. As a result he began a career racing motorcycles in NHRA. “I guess you would call me the seeker of the intense, high-pressure situation and I love being put in those situations,” Brown said. “I love those situations because it helps me step up to another level each and every time.”

Brown, a college track star, now races top fuel dragsters for the Matco Tools team.

Antron Brown is the first African-American driver to win a major auto racing title.

After 10 successful years racing motorcycles, Antron felt the need to go even faster.

“I was racing pro stock bikes for Don Schumacher Racing under the U.S. Army umbrella, when some of the Army’s themes began to resonate with me personally, concepts like, ‘never settle, accomplish your dream, never say I can’t, say I will.’

“I was happy and pretty successful doing pro stock bike, but I knew my ultimate dream was to race top fuel. The question I posed to myself was, ‘Why am I stopping at this and not pursing my real dream?’ ”

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

APRIL 25 | 2013 | DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Josh Simmons

savors days at Yates

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

J

osh Simmons realizes his days at Yates High School are fleeting.

When the track and field standout was asked what most stood out about his senior year, Simmons replied, “What little time I have left here at Yates.”

With less than two months left before graduation, Simmons is making the most of his remaining time in crimson and gold.

At the District 23-3A track and field meet, Simmons had a banner two-day performance.

He place first in the triple jump, second in the 100-meter dash, second in the 400-meter dash, third in the long jump and ran a leg on Yates’ gold-medal winning 4x100 meter relay squad as the Lions easily won the team title.

The Lions were competing against the likes of Worthing, Furr, Booker T. Washington, Jones, Scarborough, Sterling and Kashmere high schools, with the top four participants in each event qualifying for the next round of competition.

Simmons qualified for the Class 3A area round meet the following week at the Barnett Sports Complex in five events. This competition included participants from District 24-3A schools Stafford, Sweeny, La Marque, West Columbia and Kipp Sunyside along with the aforementioned schools from District 23-3A. He helped Yates amass 111 points and finish

second to Stafford (120 points) in the area team standings with a third place finish in the 400-meter dash, fourth place in the 100-meter dash and running a leg on the Lions’ silver-medal winning 4x100 relay team.

“I like track because it gives you the opportunity to compete individually and as a team,” said Simmons, who was 6 years old when he began his track career.

Simmons and his Yates teammates will be competing in the regional track Yates High School senior Josh Simmons has been a standout in track and field.

15

meet. The Humble Independent School District will host the Region III Class 3A and Class 5A track and field championships simultaneously at Turner Stadium in Humble with a chance to qualify for next month’s state meet in Austin.

Since he’s been a studentathlete at Yates, the Lions have competed on both the Class 4A and Class 3A levels. “I really don’t see a difference. You have to compete each and every day,” he said.

On National Signing Day, Simmons decided he would attend the College of St. Scholastica, a school noted for academic excellence located in Duluth, Minn. He makes A’s and B’s at Yates.

Simmons loves math and plans on majoring in biomedical engineering at the College of St. Scholastica.

“I want to repair high-tech machines and equipment in hospitals when they break down,” he said.

As the last days of his high school experience wind down, Simmons has already given some thought to what he wants his legacy as a Lion to be.

The hard work in the classroom and on the athletic field has forged relationships and rewards that he won’t soon forget.

“I want to be remembered as a good person who was always willing to accept people for who they are,” Simmons said.

Boys’ area soccer report Two Houston area Class 5A schools qualified for the 2013 boys’ state soccer tournament in Georgetown and both schools’ championship aspirations wilted in the state semifinals. Alief Elsik, 21-3-3, controlled the tempo and the pace for most of the contest against Brownsville Hanna while creating plenty of scoring opportunities for themselves and limiting the opposition to just a few. However, Hanna converted a goal on one of those chances and Elsik never could. With a 1-0 victory Hanna advanced to the Class 5A title game against Coppell. Kingwood never could get anything going offensively against Coppell and lost 2-0 at Birkelbach Field. Kingwood, 23-2-4, added a second forward to bolster the offense to no avail. In the 5A championship game, Coppell defeated Brownsville Hanna 3-2 in double overtime.

Girls’ area soccer report Katy Taylor drew the top-ranked girls’ high school team in the nation in its state semifinal contest in Georgetown. Following a scoreless first half, Plano West took advantage of having the wind at its back and scored twice during a nine-minute span. Brooke Ramsier and Nicole Smith converted to forge the Wolves ahead 2-0. Casie Ramsier and Gabby Hadly added late goals to give Plano West a 4-0 victory. Katy Taylor finished the season at 23-4-2 and made its first state tournament appearance since winning the title in 2006. Plano West defeated Southlake Carroll 4-1 in the Class 5A state title game. Plano West claimed the sixth state soccer title in school history to tie the Plano boys for the most state UIL soccer titles.

TSU women claim title The Texas Southern Lady Tigers softball team recently swept Southern in a three-game series to claim the SWAC’s Western Division regular season title. With the sweep the Lady Tigers won their 30th game of the season which marks a first in the program’s history. Thomasina Garza and Brianna Parker were key offensive contributors for Coach Worley Barker’s troops. The women’s post season tournament begins May 8 in Decatur, Ala.

PV track teams excel We salute the Prairie View A&M men’s and women’s track teams. Both finished second overall in the recent SWAC Outdoor Championship held in New Orleans. It was the second consecutive year that both teams have finished second. In the high jump, the ladies received a boost as Aisha White and Chantelle Hamilton finished 1-2 with marks of 5-5.75 and 5-4.25. The 4x100-meter relay tandem of Keely Hill, Myesha Dixon, Monique Green and Terracia Moody ran a time of 46.11 to place second.

Sylvonna Thompson won the 400 hurdles in a time of 59.38. For the men, Preston Woodard won his third straight outdoor triple jump crown with a length of 50-9.25. He placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.75. Pierre Shepherd won the high jump with a mark of 6-8. Henry Brown (13-3.5) and James Bickham (12-11.5) claimed second and fourth place in the pole vault.

Several Panthers will compete at the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Austin beginning May 23.

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

16

defendernetwork.com

DEFENDER | APRIL 25 | 2013

chag’splace

John Gilmore, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, Terry Bruner and Dr. Fraizer Wilson

William Rolack, Wendy Lewis, Stacey Porter and Bo Porter

Ed Smith and Juana and Jerrod Collins

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com

James Davis, Dr. Heather Brown and Chief Charles McClelland

Eric Lyons, Vernita Harris and William Taylor

Cedric and Sarah Joseph

II and Jarvis Washington. Yolanda Green, manager BUILDING OUR FUTURE….The 100 Black Men of community investment for Comcast Houston, and Metropolitan Houston celebrated another year of Courtney Gilmore, KPRC Local 2 reporter, served successful partnering in the community and mentoring as mistresses of ceremonies. Congratulations!..... our young men. This year, the theme for their sixth EDUCATIONAL annual gala was “Investing in ACHIEVEMENT Ourselves: Building Our Future.” It Join Yvette Chargois LUNCHEON…..Houston Citizens is through investment that they can Chamber Foundation presented continue to improve our community Events of the Week More photos on defendernetwork.com their 37th annual educational and build a bright future for Houston. achievement awards luncheon They honored several individuals, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. at the Power Center. This year’s including attorney Terry Bruner, education; HPD Police Chief scholarship recipients included Shabir Muhammad, Ariel Charles McClelland, mentoring; Sanders, Kirby Miller, Nick Harris and several James Davis, economic development; Dr. Baxter other deserving students. The scholarships are based Montgomery, health and wellness, and Dr. Heather on competitive essays, academic performances and Brown, phenomenal woman award. We salute Jodie personal interviews. One of the highest-ranking Jiles, honorary chair, Bethew “Bert” Jennings III, women executives in the sports industry, Wendy president, and the entire membership for a successful Lewis, senior vice president of diversity and strategic event. We also salute all mentors, mentees and alliances for Major League Baseball, was the keynote scholarship recipients Christian Decuire, William speaker and Bo Porter, Houston Astros manager Montgomery, Harrison Smith, Christopher Walker

President Bethew Jennings III and honorary chair Jodie Jiles

Shabir Muhammad, Ariel Sanders, Kirby Miller and Nick Harris

Foster parents Lenia Capital and Tosin Akande

and his wife, Stacey, served as honorary chairs for the luncheon. Eric Lyons, president of the Greater Houston Black Chamber, board members and sponsors are to be commended for a job well done. Continued success!.....BUILDING HOPE FOR CHILDREN…..

This year marks the 31st anniversary of Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos, Inc., benefiting children in crisis in the Houston community. Founded in 1982, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos, the House of Hope for Children, is a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. They provide residential, medical and psychological care according to the needs of each child. Almost 800 guests attended the gala that was held at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and included the governing board president Ed Smith, director and co-founder Kathleen Foster, foster parents Tosin Akande and Lenia Capital and event co-chairs Isla and T. R. Reckling, Christina and Luke McConn and Isla and Joseph Jornayvaz. Great event !.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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