Houston Defender: May 03, 2012 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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WESTSIDE’S RUSHELL HARVEY HAS SIGHTS SET ON STATE P15

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 81 | Number 27 WEEK OF MAY 3, 2012 | FREE

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NATIONAL

EEOC

updates background check rules

Mental Illness

P4 ENTERTAINMENT OPINION

MICHAEL EALY passionate about acting

The Menninger Clinic breaks

the stigma

IN MEMORIAM

DR. POINDEXTER dies at age 83

 PAGE 8

P12

Beyoncé named most beautiful Native Houstonian Beyoncé has picked up another honor – People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2012. Though she is flattered by the selection, she’s also “overwhelmed” and somewhat “embarrassed.” Beyoncé feels more beautiful than ever now that she’s a mom. “I have never felt so connected,” she said.  PAGE

Whitney Mercilus picked by Texans

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus went to the Texans in the first round of the recent NFL Draft, and the team couldn’t be more pleased with its selection. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said Mercilus is athletic, smart and plays extremely hard. “I’m nasty,” Mercilus added. “I go after the passer.”  PAGE 14

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CHAG’S PLACE

Michael Graves speaks at Kingdom Builders’ Center

P16

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012

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Summer hair care

Get ready for the summertime with these hair care tips at wwwdefendernetwork.com.

Book TALK

Secrets behind ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’

In Me, My Man and His Music, Kim McQuitty shares her fascinating story of heartache and triumph during her tenure of marriage to internationally renowned drummer Marvin McQuitty. Sometimes funny, sometimes painful, but always transparent, this book is full of personal and practical insights for women who desire to better understand the man they love and the music that consumes him.

It’s an iconic movie…but bet you don’t know the complete backstory behind the classic “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Check it out at www.facebook.com/

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Houston Public Library’s book celebration for kids is noon Saturday, May 5, at 500 McKinney.

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

See more on: defendernetwork T:9.75”

IF YOU MISSED OUR HOMEOWNER EVENT

HELP IS STILL AVAILABLE

T:6.5”

At Bank of America, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help our customers avoid foreclosure. That’s why we’re reaching out to customers in the hardest-hit communities and expanding our local outreach efforts so customers have more ways to get help. We recently sat down with customers in Houston to explain their options and help them fill out paperwork so they’re eligible for a decision. In some cases, customers even received a decision at the event. So far nationwide, we’ve helped give over 1 million customers the chance to avoid foreclosure. If you or someone you know missed the event and are facing hardship that’s affecting your mortgage payments, there are still ways to get help: • In person: Make an appointment to sit down with one of our specialists face-to-face at the Houston Customer Assistance Center. Call 1.855.566.0429 between 9am and 8pm CST Monday–Thursday, 9am and 6pm CST on Friday, or 9am and 1pm CST on Saturday. • Over the phone: Call 1.800.846.2222 between 7am and 11pm CST Monday–Friday, 7am and 7pm CST on Saturday, or 2pm and 11pm CST on Sunday. • Online: Visit bankofamerica.com/homeloanhelp to see all the ways we can help.

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. ARQ1K113

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WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012 | DEFENDER

newstalk

Wells Fargo

sponsors homebuyers’ program

nix, and Las Vegas encouraged us to expand this effort to Houston,” said Jon Campbell, Wells Fargo’s head of ells Fargo & social responsibility. Company At the May 11 and 12 event, prowill assist spective homebuyers can participate Houstonians in tours of affordable residential proplooking for a home through its erties for sale in the city. They can NeighborhoodLIFT program. apply for down payment assistance It is designed to help commugrants of up to $15,000 administered nities attract qualified, proby the NeighborWorks America affilispective homebuyers to neighHouston Mayor Annise Parker said the city looks ate, Avenue Community Development borhoods struggling with high Wells Fargo Regional President Glenn Godkin forward to joining the housing effort. Corporation, through grants from the inventories of unsold houses. speaks at announcement of program. Wells Fargo Foundation. The program takes place a five-year goal of $3 billion in mortgage “With the Houston economy beginning to Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, from purchase loans by Wells Fargo, and a $9 milshow signs of positive change, now is the per10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the George R. Brown lion investment for down payment assistance fect time for people to experience the AmeriConvention Center. (Potential homebuyers grants and homebuyer support program. can dream of home ownership,” said Houston are encouraged to register by May 9). It Wells Fargo chose Houston as its fifth Mayor Annise Parker. is part of a collaboration with the market for the program based on the city’s “We are looking forward to collaborating City of Houston and local non-profit high concentrations of homeowners, forewith Wells Fargo, NeighborWorks America organizations. closures, delinquencies and overall housand Avenue Community Development CorpoIn addition, Wells Fargo will ing inventory. ration on this important sustainable housing host a free Home PresPrevious events held in four effort that will make that dream happen for ervation Workshop on other cities helped 893 prospechundreds of families through down payment Thursday, May 17, from tive homebuyers qualify for assistance and other educational opportuni9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the down payment assistance reserties.” Reliant Center to assist vations totaling more than $20 Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is bank customers facing million. recommended in order to guarantee the ability financial hardships with “Though no one program to meet one-on-one with a representative. Prosolutions to avoiding will re-stabilize housing marspective homebuyers can sign up to attend the foreclosure. kets, the positive reception of event at www.neighborhoodlift.com. For more The Neighborhoodthe NeighborhoodLIFT program LIFT program includes information call 1-866-858-2151. in Los Angeles, Atlanta, PhoeDefender News Services

“With the Houston economy beginning to show signs of positive change, now is the perfect time for people to experience the American dream of home ownership.”

localbriefs ACTIVIST OVIDE DUNCANTELL chained himself to a tree along the esplanade of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Old Spanish Trail. The tree has become a source of conflict as Metro prepares to move it to make room for a rail project. Duncantell, director of the Black Heritage Society, said he does not trust Metro or the City of Houston to honor a verbal agreement to move the tree to MacGregor Park. He said the tree is holding space for an MLK statue…….. STATE REP. RON REYNOLDS appeared in court recently along with a chiropractor, Dr.

Tony Ha, and a marketing specialist, Adriene Anderson. They are accused of plotting to illegally solicit clients for Reynolds, an attorney, and patients for Ha. Reynolds was arrested a week earlier for barratry, the unlawful solicitation of clients by lawyers. “I stand in front of you wrongfully accused, and personally and professionally embarrassed by the unfortunate allegations against me,” Reynolds said……..BLACK LAWMAKERS are applauding a federal judge’s decision to stop Texas from banning Planned Parenthood from

participating in the Women’s Health Program, which provides low-income women with family exams, related health screening and birth control. Judge Lee Yeakel ruled that there is sufficient evidence that the law unconstitutional. The law, which was passed last year by the Legislature, forbids state agencies from providing funds to an organization affiliated with abortion providers. State Sen. Rodney Ellis said he hoped the decision would stop the “damaging and dangerous attack” on women’s health.

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012

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national

EEOC guidelines limit

background checks

discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, as amended,” the EEOC WASHINGTON (NNPA) report states. – The U.S. Equal Employment Title VII prohibits emOpportunity Commission has ployment discrimination based issued updated recommendations on race, color, religion, sex or that urge employers not to misuse national origin. criminal background checks in The Lawyers’ Commitfilling job openings. tee for Civil Rights Under By a vote of 4-1, the comLaw, which has ongoing missioners noted that African projects aimed at eliminatAmericans and Latinos may find ing the overuse of criminal it more difficult to find employbackground and credit checks ment because of the widespread in employment, use of background praised the EEOC’s checks. new guidances. “Arrest and in“The use of carceration rates are arrest records, inparticularly high for • The new guidelines offer companies more detail on how to cluding arrests that African-American occurred decades weigh fairly when an offense occurred, how serious it was and and Hispanic men,” earlier or had not how relevant it might be to a job opening. the EEOC report resulted in convic• The EEOC recommends that employers stop asking about stated. tions, to screen past convictions on job applications. It also says an arrest with“African Ameripeople applying out a conviction is not generally an acceptable reason to deny cans and Hispanics for jobs contributes employment. are arrested at a rate significantly to the • The EEOC urges employers to give applicants a chance to that is 2 to 3 times unemployment of explain a report of past criminal misconduct before they are their proportion of African Americans, the general popularejected outright. An applicant might say the report is inaccuLatinos and Native tion. Assuming that rate or point out that the conviction was expunged. Americans,” said current incarnation • By excluding all applicants with criminal records, the comExecutive Director rates remain unmission said that employers would be violating the law if they Barbara R. Arwine. changed, about 1 in NAACP Presicould not demonstrate that such exclusions were “job related 17 White men are dent Benjamin Todd and consistent with business necessity.” expected to serve Jealous said, “The • The commission called on employers to look instead at aptime in prison during Equal Opportunity plicants’ records on a case-by-case basis and to conduct an their lifetime; by Employment Comindividualized assessment of an applicant’s criminal record and contrast, this rate mission’s decision that person’s behavior since the offense occurred. climbs to 1 in 6 for will help balance • If an employer performs a background check on someone Hispanic men; and the playing field for who has already been hired and the employee is fired as a 1 in 3 for African job applicants with American men.” result, and the employee did not have any performance issues a criminal history. Those numbers while they were employed, that could be a violation. Our criminal justice have increased as the system is deeply biproportion of Ameriin a state or federal prison during ased against people cans who have had contact with the their lifetimes. of color, and that disparity can criminal justice system has risen Using background checks carry over to the job search. These over the past two decades. to screen job applicants – espeguidelines will discourage employAccording to the EEOC report, cially for jobs that are not in such ers from discriminating against only 1.8 percent of the adult U.S. sensitive areas such as banking or applicants who have paid their debt population in 1991 had served law enforcement – could have an to society.” time in prison. By 2001, that figure intended effect of discriminating The EEOC noted that 92 had risen to 2.7 percent and to 3.2 against people of color. percent of companies run criminal percent (1 in every 31) by the end “An employer’s use of an background checks on some or all of 2007. individual’s criminal history in job applicants. Such information is If that trend continues, 6.6 making employment decisions easily attainable either from thirdpercent of all persons in the United may, in some instances, violate the party suppliers or a check of the States born in 2001 will serve time prohibition against employment Internet. By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Editor-in-Chief

About the EEOC guidelines

Continued on Page 12

13 people charged in FAMU hazing death Defender News Services

Prosecutors have charged 13 people in connection with the death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, who died in November, 2011, after an alleged beating during a hazing ritual. Florida State Attorney Lawson Lamar did not immediately release the names of those charged since they are still at large. He called the death of Champion “nothing short of an American tragedy.” Eleven of the suspects will be charged with death by hazing, a third-degree felony punishable by up to six years for defendants with no criminal record. Some FAMU band members have said Champion died after taking part in a ritual called “Crossing Bus C.” During the initiation process, pledges run down the center aisle of a bus while being kicked, punched and assaulted by senior band members. Champion’s death has shaken the predominantly Black campus and jeopardized the future of its legendary band.

Obama says war in Afghanistan is winding down Defender News Services

On the first anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden, President Barack Obama made a secretive trip to Afghanistan and said the U.S. combat role there is winding down. In a televised address from Bagram Air Base, Obama said it was time to transition troops out of the country. “Over the last three years, the tide has turned,” he said. “The goal that I set — to defeat al-Qaeda, and deny it a chance to rebuild — is within reach.” Obama spoke after signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The SPA is a legally-binding agreement undertaken between two sovereign nations. It details how the partnership between the United States and Afghanistan will be normalized as the two countries look beyond an end to the war. The agreement doesn’t include specifics about how many U.S. troops will stay in Afghanistan after America’s combat role ends in 2014, but it allows troops to remain to train Afghan forces and carry out limited counterterrorism operations targeting al-Qaeda.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER • 27 WEEK OF MAY 3, 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 May 3 | 2012 | DEFENDER

entertainment

Michael Ealy

passionate about acting By KAM WILLIAMS Defender

orn in Silver Spring, Md.in 1973, Michael Ealy majored in English at the University of Maryland before heading to New York City where he performed in several stage productions, including the off-Broadway hits “Joe Fearless” and “Whoa Jack.” After finding his breakout screen role as Ricky Nash in “Barbershop” and “Barbershop 2,” Michael rapidly rose through the ranks as one of Hollywood’s emerging actors. Since then, he’s starred opposite Kate Beckinsale in “Underworld Awakening” and opposite Matt Dillon, Idris Elba and Hayden Christensen in the action flick “Takers,” and he was personally picked by Will Smith to play his younger brother in “Seven Pounds.” He’s also portrayed a

Buffalo Soldier in the Spike Lee World War II epic “Miracle at St. Anna,” and appeared in “For Colored Girls” with such stars as Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg and Phylicia Rashad. On television, Michael is set to co-star in the new detective series, “Common Law,” which debuts on the USA Network on May 11. Here, he talks about playing Dominic in his latest picture, “Think Like a Man,” Steve Harvey’s battle-ofthe-sexes comedy which is currently No. 1 at the box office. Kam Williams: What interested you in “Think Like a Man?” Michael Ealy:

Honestly, it was the first romantic comedy that I liked. I’d kind of avoided them for a while because I never felt that any of them were really smart enough. But when I read this script, I genuinely fell in love with the

Beyoncé graces the cover of People.

Beyoncé named most beautiful Defender News Services

Superstar entertainer Beyoncé said being named People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2012 is “overwhelming.” “It makes me feel very crunchy, and that means embarrassed,” she said during the photo shoot. The wife of Jay-Z and mother of Blue Ivy noted the timing of the honor. “I feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt because I have given birth,” she said. “I have never felt so connected, and I never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth.” She also had great things to say about her mother, Tina Knowles. “My mother is absolutely the most beautiful woman in the world and I have had an incredible example,” she said. “I know that women are like fine wine and they get better with age. She is such a glamorous, sophisticated, classy, gentle, beautiful woman.” Beyoncé shot down a rumor that she used a surrogate mother and wore a fake baby bump. “That was crazy,” she said. “It wasn’t hurtful, it was just crazy,” Continued on Page 6

What’sup RIHANNA said it’s “weird” being called an actress. She plays a Navy cadet in the movie “Battleship,” which opens May 18. “That doesn’t even sound right,” she said during a trip to Hawaii. “That’s so, so weird to hear actress next to my name.” She also released a new video for her “Where Have You Been” single. “Nothing about this video is raunchy. It’s all thematic, very artistic. There’s more dancing than there’s been for a long time, so that should be exciting and new for my fans,” she said……..STAR JONES aired her frustration with recent images of Black women, especially those on certain reality TV shows such as “Basketball Wives.” Jones vented via Twitter. “It may be ‘comfortable’ to be quiet

when women of color slap the crap out of each other & run across tables barefoot,” Jones tweeted, “but#ENOUGHisENOUGH.” Jones followed with a series of tweets critical of on-screen violence between women, among other subjects. Jones wants to put together a group of women of color to “tell the truth” about how Black women are being portrayed……...ARSENIO HALL has won more than $100,000 for his favorite charity, the Magic Johnson Foundation, on “Celebrity Apprentice.” The NBC program began with 18 apprentices. On the most recent show, Hall made it to the top five. The foundation, founded by NBA great Earvin “Magic” Johnson in 1991, works to develop programs and support organizations that

address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities…….. MARY, MARY and FRED HAMMOND will be honored during an all-star salute at the Essence Music Festival on July 8 in New Orleans. Other gospel stars appearing include Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Tramaine Hawkins, Israel Houghton and Pastor Marvin Winans…….. WENDY WILLIAMS has started a month-long celebration leading up to her 500th show airing on May 23. Guests include Paula Abdul, Blair Underwood, Raven-Symone and Chandra Wilson. Studio audience members and home viewers will get a chance to win $5,000 in cash. Williams will also wear a different wig each day.

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Michael Ealy ...Continued from page 5 ....

classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC HEARINGS

College of the Mainland Board of Trustees Redistricting The Board of Trustees of the College of the Mainland will conduct public hearings on the redistricting of its five single member trustee districts at the following locations and times:

Michael Ealy and Taraji P. Henson are two of the stars of “Think Like a Man.”

characters, especially my own. So, I just wanted to be a part of it. KW: How flattering or unflattering to the Black male image are the “types” that the actors are asked to portray in this film? Ealy: That’s another great thing about this picture. Yes, the cast is predominantly African-American, but color is never really an issue in the film. It’s rarely brought up since, at the end of the day, these guys are going through universal relationship issues that anybody can relate to. So, while the characters like “The non-commit-

ter,” “The Player,” and “The Dreamer” might be recognizable as common stereotypes, color isn’t involved. KW: Did you do any preparation for your role as a food service worker by spending time in restaurants? Ealy: The irony is that I spent five years as a waiter at a restaurant in New York City at the beginning of my acting career. So, I had a little bit of experience in food service. Fortunately, I didn’t actually have to prepare anything on camera in the movie, which saved me from having to take any cooking classes. But I always appreContinued on Page 7

classified

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 6:00 p.m. College of the Mainland Board Room, Enrollment Center 1200 N. Amburn Rd. Texas City, Texas 77591-2435

Monday, April 30, 2012 11:30 a.m. College of the Mainland Board Room, Enrollment Center 1200 N. Amburn Rd. Texas City, Texas 77591-2435

The hearings are part of an effort to gain public input into the process of redrawing the five single member trustee districts as a result of the 2010 census. A quorum of the Board may or may not be present at the hearings. Public comment is welcomed and solicited. Maps of the current boundaries, proposed redistricting plan and 2010 census data will be available at the hearings and may be obtained by request to Jennifer Johnson jjohnson@com.edu, 409-933-8268.

AUDIENCIAS PÚBLICAS

Nueva delimitación de distritos de la Junta de Síndicos de College of the Mainland La Junta de Síndicos de College of the Mainland llevará a cabo audiencias públicas sobre la nueva delimitación de sus cinco distritos de síndicos de miembro único en las siguientes localidades y horarios: Lunes 30 de abril de 2012 11:30 a.m. College of the Mainland Salón de Juntas, Centro de Inscripción 1200 N. Amburn Rd. Texas City, Texas 77591-2435

Martes 15 de mayo de 2012 6:00 p.m. College of the Mainland Salón de Juntas, Centro de Inscripción 1200 N. Amburn Rd. Texas City, Texas 77591-2435

Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074, telephone number (713) 970-7300, and/ or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, May 07, 2012. The Request for Qualification (RFQ) must be submitted to Purchasing Department, Suite 100, 7011 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 in a sealed envelope marked "RFQ- DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – MONDAY, MAY 23, 2012 – “AUDITING SERVICES FOR HUD PROJECTS”. Any questions pertaining to this RFQ should be addressed in writing to Joycie Sheba, Buyer II / Sharon Brauner, Buyer III via fax (713) 970-7682 or email questions to joycie.sheba@mhmraharris.org, cc: sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves the rights to reject any and/or all offers it deems to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.



Project 12-03-04 –RFP- School Buses – with a deadline of 2 P.M. May 16, 2012. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center - 4400 West 18th Street - Room 2C06, Houston, Texas 77092 on May 8th, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org. The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District. The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com

Rusk Elementary School Renovation/Addition Project Number:

12-04-03CS

Houston Independent School District (HISD) SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONST., as Construction Manager-atRisk for HISD, in accordance with H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82 (R)-2011, will receive bids or proposals from subcontractors for Rusk Elementary School Renovation/Addition. The work includes renovation of existing building with safety and security improvement, mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades/repairs and ADA code compliance. The work also includes construction of a new 2-story free standing addition housing classrooms and multi -purpose room. Bids or proposals are due no later than 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the offices of SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONST., 11000 Equity Drive, Houston, Texas 77041, phone 713-996-1300, fax 713-690-2299, email houstonbids@satpon.com. The plans and specifications will be available beginning Monday, April 30, 2012, and may be obtained from A&E Graphics Complex, 4235 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77027 / phone 713-621-0022 / fax 713-621-2537 / www.aecomplex.com, upon refundable deposit of $250.00 for each set of printed plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from A & E Graphics on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Requests for access to on-line documents and any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONST., 11000 Equity Drive, Houston, Texas, phone 713-996-1300, fax 713-690-2299 attention: Carl Breedlove, email cbreedlove@satpon.com.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

M/WBE documents as described below will be received until 4:00 PM on the due date. There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONST., will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD.

Project Number 12-03-01CS The Houston Independent School District request proposals for CONSTRUCTION SAFETY CONSULTING The Request for Qualifications will be available beginning Monday, April 30, 2011. To download a copy, visit our website at: www.houstonisd.org

Step 3: Select “Doing Business with HISD”

Auditing Services for HUD Projects

Project 12-04-14 – RFP – Learning Management System – Formative Assessment – with a deadline of 3 P.M. May 23, 2012. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2E26 at the above stated address on May 9, 2012 at 10 A.M.

Las audiencias forman parte de un esfuerzo para obtener la opinión y sugerencias del público en relación al proceso de la nueva delimitación de los cinco distritos de síndicos de miembro único como resultado del censo de 2010. Los comentarios del público son bienvenidos y son solicitados. En las audiencias habrá disponibles mapas con los límites actuales de los precintos, el plan propuesto con los nuevos límites y datos del censo de 2010 los cuales además pueden ser obtenidos comunicándose con Jennifer Johnson, jjohnson@com.edu, 409-933-8268.

Step 2: Select “PT”, then “Procurement Services”

Will be accepting Request for Qualification for the following:



Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR)

Step1: Select “Departments”

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18 th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1

Step 4: Select “Proposal Solicitations Download” Step 5: Follow the instructions to register and download a copy of the proposal. Copies of the RFQ may also be obtained from HISD at: Construction Services, CFS 3200 Center Street Houston, Texas 77007 A pre-submittal conference will also be held at the above address at 10:00 PM, Tuesday, May 8, 2011 All responses must be submitted no later than 12, noon, on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 to HISD, Office of Board Services, 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092-8501 Questions concerning this RFQ may be submitted via email to Elvis Eaglin (eeaglin@houstonisd.org)

SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONST., is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. BIDS OR PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION AND IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE. A pre-bid/proposal conference will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc., 11000 Equity Drive, Houston, TX 77041. For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. Elvis Eaglin, at 713-556-9306, or eeaglin@houstonisd.org. Drawings and Specifications may be reviewed at: SATTERFIELD & PONTIKES CONST., 11000 Equity Drive, Houston, Texas 77041, phone 713-996-1300, fax 713-690-2299, attention Carl Breedlove and the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 556-9250 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, Texas 77098-4151, (832) 613-0201

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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Michael Ealy ...Continued from page 6 ....

ciate a good chef. KW: How did your parents feel about your becoming a struggling actor after helping put you through college? Ealy: My parents, God bless ‘em, were very supportive of me and my decision to pursue acting. Their dream for me and my sister was that we graduate from college. And as soon as I fulfilled that, they were extremely supportive of what I wanted to do next. I will always be grateful to them for that, because I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and encouragement. KW: Tell me a little about your new TV series, “Common Law.” Since it’s a cop series revolving around black and white partners, it sounds a little like “Psych,” which is also on the USA Network? Ealy: It’s nothing like “Psych.” It’s an action comedy about two detectives who are really good at what they do. But they have different approaches to the work and to life in general, and that creates conflict and bickering and fights, sometimes. What happens is that their captain decides to send them to couples’ counseling in order to keep them together, because they always get their man. They basically just need a little help in getting along. What makes it funny is that the characters end up having a lot of the same issues as the married couples they’re in therapy with. KW: If you weren’t acting, what career path would you have chosen? Ealy: I’d have been a teacher. KW: What excites you? Ealy: Passion, ambition and talent. KW: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? Ealy: I’d say two qualities: perseverance, because you cannot be successful without confronting rejection and, second, studying. You have to know your craft. I find that most people who are very, very successful know their craft and have done the research. KW: When do you feel the most content? Ealy: Between “Action!” and “Cut!” KW: What do you wish other people would note about you? Ealy: That I don’t think as highly of myself as some people make me out to be. I am so far from arrogant, because I have been through enough to know that everything can go away in a moment. You know, I really don’t understand why anyone would want to put me on a pedestal.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

cover

The Menninger Clinic

Breaking the stigma of

mental illness I

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

t’s estimated that only one in three African Americans in need of mental health care actually receive it. This exemplifies the wellknown fact that the Black community faces significant barriers to mental health care. While issues such as racism, institutional mistrust and lack of insurance are major obstacles, the barriers posed by stigma and misinformation are some of the most prohibitive. Overall, only one-third of Americans with a mental illness or a mental health problem get care. Yet, the percentage of African Americans receiving needed care is only half that of non-Hispanic whites. One study reported that nearly 60 percent of older, AfricanAmerican adults were not receiving needed services. “Stigma often stifles the conversation regarding mental illness in the Black community,” explained Dr. Sarah Y. Vinson, a Harvard-trained, Black psychiatrist and founder and chief editor of BlackMentalHealthNet.com. “Families too often base decisions on little information or misinformation.” Locally, one hospital is doing its part to change those disturbing statistics. With a new facility – which opened May 2 – and expanding services, the Menninger Clinic hopes to lead the effort in bringing together organizations, people and researchers who can change how the next generation views mental illness. “Mental illness knows no strangers. Sadly, stigma affects groups across the board,” said Ian Aitken, president and CEO of Menninger. “A decade or so ago, a cancer diagnosis was something that was whispered in many households and neighborhoods. Today, that’s rare. I see mental illness at the juncture that cancer was at before war was declared against cancer. “We don’t understand mental illness to be a biological disease,” Aitken said. “I think people have the feeling that it’s their fault rather than genetic. People need to understand if your brain isn’t working you need to come in so we can assess the problem. Depression, alcoholism, anxiety and other psychiatric illnesses are disorders of the brain, not a personal weakness.” The Menninger Clinic has also partnered with Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates to provide psychiatric assessment and treatment in three of TCPA’s medical homes, making mental health care a part of a child’s overall health care. “Windsor Village United Methodist Church asked to partner with us to provide outpatient services to its congregation and we have quite a wide variety of specialties available to Windsor Village’s community,” Aitken said. “Right now we have two anti-stigma programs. The first is a relatively new group called Young Leaders in Mental Health. They are changing how their circles of friends and associates view mental health through information and conversation. In addition, for two years now we have had the blog SayNoToStigma.com, which gener-

The Menninger Clinic at a glance • Founded: 1925 in Topeka, Kan. • Relocated to Houston: May 30, 2003 • Number of beds: 105 operational • Specialty hospital treatment: Diagnostic and specialty inpatient treatment programs are designed for individuals with difficult-to-treat brain, behavioral and addictive disorders. • Employees: 430 full-time and part-time employees • Facilities: The 14-acre campus with seven buildings provides residence hall-style patient facilities, a free-standing dining room, wellness center and administrative buildings. Outdoor recreation includes a pool, tennis courts and a fitness trail. • Location: 2801 Gessner Drive • New location: 12301 Main Street • Phone: 713-275-5000 • Website: www.menningerclinic.com

ates a conversation in the global social media community.”

Filling a void

The Menninger Clinic, which was recently recognized as one of America’s best psychiatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, specializes in the treatment of complex mental illness, with 35 percent of patients from Texas and 65 percent of patients from 49 states and international communities. Menninger is relocating and expanding local services, including working with Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County to provide psychiatry services for a new partial hospital program for adults at the Gathering Place, 5310 S. Willow Drive. “Our philosophy follows what co-founder Dr. William Menninger said years ago that the true measure of any community lies in how it provides for its most disabled members,” Aitken said. “We want to collaborate with other hospitals and organizations to address the needs of Houston as well as to discover better diagnostic methods, treatments and prevention programs to improve lives everywhere.” “Houston is fortunate to have so many quality hospitals, and we are proud to be recognized as the only hospital dedicated solely

to psychiatry in the metro rankings,” Aitken said. “We have a mission that encompasses psychiatric treatment, advanced training of mental health professionals and scientific research, which supports our work to improve treatment, aim for preventing the debilitating and costly effects of mental illness and work to eliminate the stigma surrounding it.” Aitken also says another factor that sets the Menninger Clinic apart is the time in treatment that they offer their patients. “Menninger is among the few treatment providers that offers diagnostic, treatment and recovery programs for those who are suffering from mental illness with a length of stay of six to eight weeks. That exceeds the typical five to seven days, which 95 percent of all psychiatric beds are devoted to in this country,” Aitken said. “The five to seven-day stay is standard for stabilization when a person is having a psychiatric crisis. Most of our patients have had multiple hospitalizations or courses of outpatient treatment and they haven’t been able to maintain mental health or make progress in treatment for some reason,” he added. An expert staff is another contributing factor. “We have a talented faculty and staff who are dedicated to working on tough cases and with collaborating with our patients to tease out the core issues that can then be tackled in treatment,” Aitken said. “All of our medical staff works at Menninger on a full-time basis, which ensures that our physicians not only lead the treatmen but provide the treatment as well. We also have a lot of specialists here at the clinic as well as at Baylor College of Medicine who con sult on cases to provide the best diagnostic assessment and recommendations for treatment to our patients.” One of the main goals of the expanded clinic will be stressing the need for treatment among those suffering from mental illness. “Mental illnesses affect all elements of what it takes for health living—your physical health, psychological health, interpersonal relationships within the family and friend or work circles as well as spiritual health. The Menninger way of approaching treatment and recovery focuses on all of these areas. “We aim to prepare our patients to leave here with tools that stick and that can be put into practical use in real-world situations. Sometimes a patient needs more preparation for independence and they continue their work with an outpatient professional,” Aitken said.

Looking ahead

Texas ranks near the bottom nationally in public funding for services to the mentally ill. The need is particularly acute in Harris County, with more than 100,000 individuals seriously and persistently mentally ill.

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

rpage

nt,

9 The Menninger Clinic features a courtyard surrounded by greenery.

The Texas Mental Health Authority has defined these categories as consisting largely of persons with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. The clinic is developing a comprehensive five-year strategic plan to address its patient services and future growth. Last year, Menninger launched the Miracles in Mindcapital campaign to create the Menninger Mental Health Epicenter in Houston as its center of operations. The epicenter is a unique opportunity for a psychiatric organization to draw upon its landmark history, world-class staff and create a one-of-a-kind campus. “Houston is home to the largest medical complex in the Texas Medical Center. Menninger’s long-term strategy is to become the M. D. Anderson for mental health. We want to unify efforts for a war on mental illness. We want to recruit more talented researchers and clinical professionals here,” Aitken said. “We want to encourage more momentum for research which results in improving treatments and prevention of mental illness. Our research in the area of treatment of suicide is making strides that will save lives. These are all necessary and worthy goals for our strategic plan.”

e Houston area for over 80 years

The clinic has more than 100 beds.

Mental health facts & figures • Poverty level affects mental health status. African Americans living below the poverty level, as compared to those over twice the poverty level, are three times more likely to report psychological distress. • African Americans are 20% more likely to report having serious psychological distress than non-Hispanic whites. • Non-Hispanic whites are more than twice as likely to receive antidepressant prescription treatments as are Non-Hispanic Blacks. • The death rate from suicide for African-American men was almost six times that for African American women in 2008. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012

health

defendernetwork.com

A Defender & Texas Children’s Hospital Alliance

healthnotes

Starting your teen’s gynecology visit earlier

ost women first visit doctor as well as for her doctor to get to know her. Usually, the the gynecologist doctor starts the visit with the around age 18. parents and the patients together However, Dr. and the majority of the visit Hillary Boswell, OB/GYN at is discussion and answering Texas Children’s Pavilion for questions. The doctor will ask Women, recommends that teens basic questions about the patient’s should have their first visit around ages 13 to 15 instead. “The most important part of your daughter’s first gynecology visit is the chance for her to start developing a relationship with a doctor,” Boswell says. “It is not about getting a Pap smear.” In fact, Boswell says that girls Teens should have their ﬁrst gynecologist visit around ages 13 to 15 years. should not life (school, activities, siblings, receive a Pap smear test (unless etc.). When it is time for the pregnant) until age 21. Pap exam, the patient can choose smears are a screening test for cervical cancer, which is virtually to have the parents present or request to be alone with non-existent in teenage girls. the gynecologist. So why should teenage girls “There is always time for see a gynecologist if not for a the patient and doctor to discuss Pap smear? The first visit is the sensitive issues alone,” Boswell chance for her to get to know her

Structured feeding for your kids

says. “Unless she is going to hurt herself or others, everything discussed is private.” In the state of Texas, treatment/discussion regarding sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy (but not birth control) can stay completely confidential. “However, we openly encourage teen girls to be open and honest with their parents,” says Boswell. “Teens know that their parents just want them to be safe and healthy, and although parents might be upset about even the idea of their daughters having sex, or experimenting with toxic substances, they would much rather be kept in the loop than in the dark.” A woman’s cervical health starts with getting to know her gynecologist. So while you are getting your daughter ready with visits to the doctor for school and activities, add the gynecologist on the list to give her a head start on a healthy adulthood.

It is important to make routines for your children from getting ready for school in the morning to getting ready for bed at night. According to Dr. Bryan Vartabedian, gastroenterologist at Texas Children’s Hospital, it is just as important for children to have a routine when it comes to eating and meal times. “The foundation of healthy eating is a tight routine,” Vartabedian says. “The limited diets and poor habits that children develop are often passed down from parent to child.” While feeding on demand works for early infancy, it does not work for toddlers; Vartabedian explains why. “Feeding on demand promotes grazing,” he says. “It creates havoc with digestive hormones and stunts the appetite. If you fill up on snacks, you won’t have room for dinner.” Parents should remember that they set the boundaries of what is appropriate for children to eat and when. Teaching and promoting healthy foods and eating habits is up to parents as children follow their example. However, feeding on demand puts feeding on the child’s terms. While children have to learn how to be responsible for what they eat, they lack the judgment to do this entirely on their own. They must also learn that the impulse to eat will not always be fulfilled. Older children are more apt to use food as a means to fulfill impulses other than hunger or the need for nourishment. Vartabedian recommends planning three square meals a day and two snacks after the child’s first year. He also cautions of the overuse of juice or milk. Parents should be mindful that their children follow in their parents’ footsteps; so if you snack around your kids they will be waiting with their hands out for snacks of their own. Remember: like all habits, healthy eating starts with the parents and passes down to children.

Stretching for young athletes Athletes are taught that stretching helps prepare the muscle for maximum effort and to help prevent injuries. While most coaches have a warm-up routine that includes running, stretching and bouncing/hopping movements for their athletes, many times these warm-ups don’t happen when athletes are on their own. Dr. Jorge Gomez, sports medicine specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, stresses the importance for young athletes to stretch before sports, as well as general activities. “While ‘pulling’ a muscle is uncommon in young athletes,” Gomez says, “there are certainly several common conditions among young athletes that are directly related to having tight muscles.” Athletes with tight muscles can avoid such injuries by stretching regularly. Since it’s not practical

for a coach to single out those with tight muscles, the solution is to have everyone stretch. Gomez suggests the following for young athletes: • Static (not bouncing) stretches lasting less than 45 seconds may be used as part of a warm-up routine without risk of taking away muscle performance. • Athletes with tight muscles should stretch more often than more flexible athletes; the more often a person stretches, the quicker they gain flexibility. • Athletes being treated for injuries related to tight muscles should stretch two to three times a day as directed by their physician or therapist. • Stretching should feel good. Never stretch to the point of pain.

Stretching is important for all athletes.

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

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Big coverage for the he little ones.

Texas Children’s Health Plan covers children from newborns to teenagers. We even cover adults and pregnant moms through STAR Medicaid. Families with children who qualify for CHIP pay $50 or less a year. Those who qualify for Medicaid pay nothing. CHIP and STAR Medicaid offer a wide range of benefits including checkups and shots, dental services, medications, and more. With Texas Children’s Health Plan you also get: ■

Over 2,100 doctors.

■

A 24-hour nurse hotline.

■

Free transportation to doctor visits.

■

Pregnancy support program and classes.

■

Help losing weight through the Keep Fit Program.

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Learn how to play soccer from the Houston Dynamo coaches.

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Fun, free member events!

For more information, to receive an application, or to find an event in your area, visit us online or call today.

MK-0311-038

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Poindexter remembered as dental pioneer

The late Dr. Zeb Ferdinand Poindexter Jr. was a trailblazer. In 1956, he became the first African-American graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch. He later became the first Black member of the Houston District Dental Society and the first Black faculty member The late Dr. Zeb Poindexter Jr. at the UT Dental Branch. 83. His funeral service Poindexter died on is scheduled for Friday, April 28 at the age of May 4, at 11 a.m. at

Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3015 N. MacGregor Way. He was born in Fort Worth in 1929. He attended Wiley College and graduated from Texas Southern University in 1952 with a degree in endocrinology. Upon graduation, he served as a second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves and left active duty with the rank of captain. After graduation

from dental school, Poindexter opened a facility in the area known as Chocolate Bayou. It was designed by the late architect John Chase and still stands today as a landmark in the Sunnyside neighborhood. He also founded the Zeb F. Poindexter Jr. Chapter of the Stu-

McDonald’s hosts regional hiring day Defender News Services

Area residents in need of a job are invited to participate in McDonald’s Hiring Day on Tuesday, May 15. Regional establishments will hire more than 1,000 part-time and full-time employees. Benefits available to qualified employees include access to insurance plans, flexible schedules, free uniforms and employee support services.

Guidelines... Continued from page 4 “Information about federal crimes such as interstate drug trafficking, financial fraud, bank robbery, and crimes against the government may be found online in federal court records by searching the federal courts’ Public Access to Court Electronic Records or Case Management/Electronic Case Files,” the report said. The FBI’s extensive record system can be accessed for employment purposes by those seeking jobs in banking, nursing homes, securities, nuclear energy, security guards, transportation, federal agencies and other sensitive areas. A major problem with these records, according to EEOC, is that half of the entries do not contain final disposition of cases. Therefore, a person could have been charged with a crime and acquitted, yet that

dent National Dental Association. Poindexter was active in various organizations and received numerous honors. His involvement included serving as board member, UNCF and Urban League; president, Gulf State Dental Association; treasurer, B:4.79” Charles A. George

LEGAL NOTICE

Dental Society, and life member, National Dental Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ruby; daughters, Merlene Russell and Eleanor Patricia Dixon, and son, Dr. Zeb F. Poindexter III and his wife Anna.

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In Texas, McDonald’s creates nearly 145,300 jobs and more than $3.5 billion in spending. Nationally, more than 1,200 owner/ operators got their start working as 1 of the TX4944_HNDF_EOG_AFAM_0503.indd restaurant staff. Twenty top 50 executives in management started in 5:29 PM from TOMMY by Tommy Salazar / Tommy Saved at 4-23-2012 McDonald’s restaurants, including Job info Approvals Fonts & Images outgoing CEO Jim Skinner. Applicants are encouraged toTX4944 apply None Job # Creative Dir Fonts None Client Art Director Helvetica Neue LT Std (65 Medium, 85 TX LOTTERY in person at a restaurant or visit http:// None Headline/Tag MAYY EOG Copywriter Heavy), Helvetica (Black), Helvetica Neue www.mcstate.com. Trim ALVARO CIFUENTES (77 Bold Condensed, 57 Condensed), Times Account Mgr 4.79” x 3.25”

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wouldn’t be bases. A similar problem exists with state records. Even if a person has committed 206 E. 9th Street • Austin, TX 78701 a crime in the past,Telthe EEOC Fax noted, 512.479.6200 512.479.6024 employers should look at the nature of the crime, the time elapsed and the nature of the job held or being sought. “We salute the EEOC’s bipartisan effort to update its guidelines to ensure that employers are not unfairly excluding otherwise qualified applicants from the job market,” said Debo Adegbile, acting president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “No one should be penalized for the rest of their life for mistakes that they made in the past. Our whole nation benefits when we open up opportunities for people who are willing and able to become contributing members of our society.”

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None

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defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012 | DEFENDER

autoreview

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE SUV

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

nce in a while there’s a revelation in the vehicle evaluation field. After test driving hundreds of vehicles in categories that range from sub-compacts to luxury cars and the largest people movers in the world, some of the lesser-known vehicles tend to escape your memory. That is, until you drive them again. The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE fits into that category. With a panoramic glass roof with LED illumination that enables occupants to see a large portion of the sky, the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a driving machine with an enormous view. Not many vehicles offer this option, and it’s rather breathtaking. The Outlander Sport is listed as a special-purpose vehicle. That means it qualifies as multi-purpose. Although a smaller sports utility vehicle, the Outlander Sport is versatile and can assume a number of responsibilities. The back seat can let down, enlarging the rear cargo area to carry a number of items, large or small, to escort to another destination. Five full-sized adults can ride comfortably in the Outlander Sport, while this vehicle commands attention with its sporty features.

SPECS MSRP base price - $21,995 (as tested - $26,855) Engine – 2.0-liter four cylinder Transmission – Continuously variable Fuel economy – 25 miles per gallon (city), 31 mpg (highway) Estimated annual fuel cost - $2,050 (based on $3.70 per gallon) There’s super wide range HID headlamps, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, chrome front grille surround, sideturn indicators, fog lights, rearT:9.75” spoiler and exhaust finishers.

Interior amenities include a full-color multi-information display, eco-driver indicator lamp, service reminder system, steeringwheel mounted paddle shifters when you need to go manual and automatic climate control. The vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The result is a smooth ride with more than adequate acceleration. Safety features include advanced dual front air bags,front seat mounted side air bags, side curtain air bags, driver knee air bag and hill start assist. The latest Outlander Sport SE has earned a four-star rating in the rollover category by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additional performance and handling features include fourwheel disc brakes with automatic braking system, electronic brake force distribution, four-wheel independent suspension and assisted electric power steering. Comfort and convenience standard equipment includes heated sideview mirrors, air conditioning with micron filter, rear seat center armrest with two cupholders and trunk pass-through entry along with an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system with eight speakers. Optional equipment includes a navigation system with rearview camera, black roof rails, 710-watt sound system, auto-dimming rearview mirror and SIRIUS satellite radio. What more could you ask for in a vehicle that starts for just under $22,000?

Don’t miss out! 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 2012

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T:6.5”

Monday, May 14, 2012 | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Tuesday, May 15, 2012 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am & 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

sports

Texans restocking

cupboard in 2012 draft

By MAX EDISON Defender

he NFL Draft is like Christmas in April for football fans. For the Texans faithful, GM Rick Smith is jolly old St. Nick. Since the Texans were nice – playoff participants in 2011 – St. Rick rewarded his fans with a very solid draft class in 2012. The Texans lost starters Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston through free agency, trade or simple attrition. For the first time in franchise history, they did not have to draft a player that they expect to start immediately. Smith is tasked with restocking the Texans cupboard with quality young talent and he did not disappoint with this year’s selections. After three grueling days of draft- Top pick Whitney Mercilus poses with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. ing, Smith was pleased with the playout that St. Rick had left him a shiny new defeners the team selected. sive toy. “We were able to add some players that can “This guy fits right impact our team like we talked about, both offenin the fold of the sively and defensively,” Smith said. “In this case, kind of players that for the first time in my career, even on special we have here,” teams with a kicker. We were able to fill some Phillips explained. needs.” “It’s an addition to With the vast majority of Texans fans expectwhat we have. It’s ing the team to take a wide receiver in the first not to take away round (pick No. 26), Smith selected Whitney Merfrom Brooks Reed cilus, a 6-foot-4, 261-pound defensive end from Iland Connor Barwin linois, who led the nation (Division I) in sacks with 16. The selection marked the fourth consecutive year the Texans have selected a defensive player in the first round (eighth time in 11 years). He will move to outside linebackers for the Texans. No one on the Texan coaching staff was happier than defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to find

who are outstanding players in their own right. We think this guy fits in and can help with that group immensely. “He’s athletic, he’s smart, and he plays extremely hard,” Phillips continued. “That’s really a key that we like to have on our defense – guys that really get after them. That was one of the things that we look for every year, and this is the guy, one of the best in the college ranks this year. We’re really pleased to have him.” Mercilus, a junior who graduated early with a 3.0 GPA, has a reputation as a relentless pass rusher. He is proud of that rep. “I’m nasty. I go after the passer. That’s my specialty,” Mercilus said. “I know how to get around tight ends and offensive tackles to get to the passer. Definitely, I’ve got to shape up a little bit more on the run, but hey, I feel like I’ve got good average to play the run. “It’s just a matter of sharpening up my techniques at the point of attack. I’m not going to give up. I give 110 percent all day.” Rounding out the draft, the Texans traded out of the second round, but had two picks in the third. They selected receiver DeVier Posey, 6-feet-2, 209 pounds from Ohio State (68th overall), and Brandon Brooks, a 6-foot-5, 353-pound guard from Miami of Ohio (76th overall). They had three picks in the fourth round: Center Ben Jones, 6-feet-3, 304 pounds from Georgia (99th overall); Keshawn Martin, WR, 5-feet-11, 190 pounds from Michigan St. (121st overall), and Jared Crick, DE, 6-feet-4, 285 pounds from Nebraska (126th overall). In round 5 they selected Klein Forest ex Randy Bullock, kicker (5-feet-9) from Texas A&M (161st overall). In round 6 they chose OT Nick Mondek, 6-feet-5, 307 pounds from Purdue (195th overall).

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

Texan #1 draft pick Whitney Mercilus is introduced to the media.

WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012 DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Harvey sets sights on state meet By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

fter qualifying for the state Class 5A track and field meet in two events, Westside High School junior standout sprinter Rushell Harvey is right where she’d hoped to be. Harvey overcame windy conditions at Humble’s Turner Stadium during the Region III-5A meet to place first in the girls’ 200-meter dash in a time of 24.28 seconds, holding off runner-up Bernice Bamgbade of Alief Hastings (24.49). Mona Landry of North Shore won the girls’ 100-meter dash in a time of 11.83 seconds with Harvey taking second place in 11.90. Both efforts earned Harvey berths in the finals of the 5A state meet at Mike Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin on May 12. “I was able to kind of ignore the wind in the 200, but in the 100, it got to me,” Harvey said. “I felt it going sideways, so I panicked a little. I held it together for as long as I could and was able to get second.” It was the second meeting of the 2012 outdoor season between Harvey and Landry. The first came at the Victor Lopez Classic at Rice University and the outcome was the same. “I was able to beat her in last year’s regional, but we’re both going to state and I’m happy about that,” Harvey said. Following a successful sophomore campaign, Harvey came into the 2012 season with her goals clearly in mind. My expectations were to break 12 seconds in the 100 because I hadn’t done that all year, and I wanted to go below 24.50 seconds in the 200,” she said. “My high goals were to go back to state and

do my best and try to be a medal contender in both events. “To be able to accomplish making it to state in both events is huge,” Harvey said. “This is probably the biggest accomplishment I’ve had in all my years of running.” Harvey began running track when she was seven years old. Back then she wasn’t sure if track and field was going to be her main focus because she was playing other sports as well. “I really started liking running when I got to middle school,” she said. “That’s when I was running for both Track Houston and My Stars track clubs.” Harvey said she will concentrate on track from here on out and is looking toward the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference as possible collegiate destinations. “Which particular school, I’m not sure yet,” Harvey said. “I want to finish my high school career strong and see where it gets me. But I know that track is going to be my main focus besides academics. I just want to get on the college level and be able

to compete well there. “ When asked if she ever thinks about competing at the Olympics level, Harvey put it all in perspective. “Not yet, I’m trying to get through high school and college,” she said. “If it looks like I can compete with the Olympic-level athletes, then I will try for it. A lot of things can happen between now and then.” Harvey’s favorite subjects in school are history and science. She would like to pursue a possible career in sports marketing. “I know it’s going to be something dealing with sports because that’s what I know best,” she said. Rushell is related to longtime Texas Southern University sports trainer John “Doc” Harvey. Other news from the Region III5A meet included… • The two-time defending state champion North Shore boys repeating as regional champions with 70 points to 42 for runner-up Hastings. The Mustangs gathered three first-place finishes, a second and two thirds. • Defending state champion Larry McDuffey won the triple jump with a leap of 46 feet, 11.50 inches. McDuffey also helped the Mustangs win the 400- and 800-meter relays. Jermaine Authorlee ran in both relays and placed second in the 200-meter dash. • Hightower easily won the girls’ 5A team title with 102 points to 42 for both Fort Bend Bush and North Shore. Armed with a sophomore-laden roster, Hightower won the 400 and 800-meter relays, while collecting second-place finishes in the mile relay, 800-meter run, 300-hurdles, long jump and discus.“We just wanted to let people know that we have some underclassmen here, but we’re ready to run with the big dogs,” said Hightower girls coach Andi Graham. Westside High School sprinter Rushell Harvey has goals in mind.

Manvel’s Gills has big day at Class 4A regional meet Sophomore Meschelle Gills won the 800 and 1,600-meter runs before anchoring the Lady Mavericks’ winning mile-relay foursome to account for all 40 points her school scored in the Region III-4A meet at Sam Houston State University n Huntsville. “I’ve done that every single meet,” Gills said. “I train for it. My body is ready to go every two to three minutes.” Gills began her day by winning the 800, the event she placed second in the state meet last year as a freshman. Beaumont Ozen won the girls’ team title with 105 points. Brenham scored 56 points to win the boys’ team title by one point over Summer Creek.

Collins, Caldwell earn field-event titles at meet Lauryn Caldwell of Dickinson won the Class 5A shot put regional title at Turner Stadium on her third attempt with a heave of 44 feet, eight inches. Hightower’s Jeia Gilliam repeated as regional runnerup and earned a berth in the May 12 state meet with 41-10 and-a-half. Caldwell also won the 5A discus title. Aviante Collins of Willowridge claimed the 5A regionalshot put title (59 feet, one-half inch) by holding of Deer Park’s Cameron Cornelius (58-8.50).

Softball playoffs in full swing as teams advance Defending state champion The Woodlands, statetournament qualifier Pearland and perennial favorites Tomball, Brazoswood and Alvin advanced to the second round of the state Class 5A softball playoffs with firstround victories. Pearland’s Haley Beam tossed six scoreless innings in the Lady Oilers’ 5-0 victory over Fort Bend Austin. Star pitcher Paige McDuffee is currently sidelined with an injury for The Woodlands.

NFL news: Free agent round-up for local talent Although they didn’t hear their name called by Commissioner Roger Goodell during the recent NFL Draft, a number of local prospects received phone calls that have led to free agent contracts. All-American Prairie View defensive end Adrian Hamilton, the nation’s sack leader (20), signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Texas Southern All-SWAC wide receiver Joe Anderson inked a deal with the Chicago Bears. At Rice, DE Scott Solomon was actually drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 7th round. Punter Kyle Martens signed with the San Diego Chargers. A host of Houston Cougars also signed free agent deals. Record-setting All-American QB Case Keenum is now a Texan. All C-USA defensive end/linebacker Sammy Brown is a St Louis Ram, running back Michael Hayes is a San Diego Charger, and wide receiver Patrick Edwards is with the Detroit Lions. Running back Bryce Beall went to the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Marcus McGraw goes to the Arizona Cardinals and defensive tackle David Hunter to the Houston Texans. Keenum was elated to be a Texan.”If you would’ve told me this is where I would be at the end of today, yesterday or last week…I couldn’t have been happier,” he said. “I’m absolutely thrilled, not only to stay in Houston…it’s just one of those things where God makes the right place.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF MAY 3 | 2012

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EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT……The Houston Houston Authority, CenterPoint Energy and Reliant Energy for Citizens Chamber of Commerce is known as an advocate making dreams come true. Congratulations!......SURVIVING for African-American business owners, entrepreneurs and IN BUSINESS……..The Kingdom Builders’ Center’s professionals in the Greater Houston area. Recently, they held Entrepreneur Learning Center is dedicated to providing services their 36th annual educational achievement scholarship program and education to business owners of all types and aspiring and awarded minority high school seniors entrepreneurs. An event titled, “How to with scholarships funds for the 2012-2013 Build Business Success in the 21st Century” Join Yvette Chargois school year. Each recipient received a was held with leading sales, marketing $1,000 scholarship, including Briceon and media executive and the founding Events of the Week Wiley, Syleste Davis, Esther Kentish, partner of the Graves Advisory Group, More photos on defendernetwork.com Jaron Love, Jaelen Randolph, Jamar LLC, Michael A. Graves. A roundtable See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. Brooks, Jillian Ross, Edward Taylor, discussion with a panel of business Genry Santibanez, Aaron Lavergne, executives, all committed to inspire, share Taylor Evans and Taylor York-Briscoe. and educate attendees was conducted With the ever-increasing challenges students face in their pursuit following his keynote address. Hundreds attended the event of higher education, every little bit helps, so the students were including Shelia and Roy Stewart, Ky McDowell, Paulette quite pleased and their parents were even happier. Shauna Davis, Debra Nickerson, Adriane and Anthony Mackey, Clark, partner-in-charge at Fulbright & Jaworski, delivered the Felecia Bradley and Tonya Bush, to name a few. Everyone keynote address. Special thanks to Eric Lyons, president and left with a wealth of knowledge. Congratulations to Tandelyn CEO of the chamber and the sponsors Comerica Bank, Port of Atkinson Weaver, executive director of the Kingdom Builders’

Center and Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell. Continued success!...... RAISING FUNDS FOR SCHOLARS……..The primary mission of the Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston, Inc. is to support the community through financial, educational and volunteer efforts. Additionally, the foundation administers programs that empower, enable and educate individuals to elevate the quality of lives. At their 31st Annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show they honored six distinguished Houston community leaders including Ray Purser, vice president of government and public relations at Comcast’s Houston Region; Harry E. Johnson Sr., an attorney and partner in the law firm of Green and Johnson; Sonya Taylor Stevenson, founder of KALEIOSCOPE; Dr. John Codwell III, owner and medical director of Codwell Family Foot Center; Angela Rogers, co-owner of the Power Center Pharmacy and Andrea Arceneaux, an assistant county attorney and registered nurse. Kudos to Staci Taylor Fullmighter, president/IEACF, Thedrial Jackson, general chairman and the entire membership for a fabulous event…..From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Scholarship Recipient Taylor Evans and Sidney Evans

Scholarship Recipient Taylor York-Briscoe and Bridget York-Briscoe

Shauna Clark, Eric Lyons and Vanessa Reed

Roy and Shelia Stewart

Ky McDowell, Paulette Davis and Debra Nickerson

Entrepreneur Michael Graves

Dr. John Codwell, III, Harry Johnson, Angela Rogers, Sonya Stevenson and Ray Purser

Marianne Walker, Staci Fullmighter and LaDonna Harris

Claire Stevenson, Courtney Hollingsworth, Angel Boult and Hayla Hunter

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