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URBAN LEAGUE REPORT: BLACK AMERICA NEEDS DIVERSITY IN TECH P7
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
MARTHA CASTEX-TATUM wins District K seat
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NATIONAL BARACK OBAMA inspires former staffers to run for office
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Volume 87 | Number 28
WHAT HAPPENED TO KANYE?
Black colleges in H PAGE 8
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FEATURE LUCY J. BREMOND named park conservancy director
P13 TOP EVENTS
KG Smooth and Donnell Cooper at the Greater Houston Frontiers Reception.
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Harold Dutton
holds HISD accountable After the district failed to submit a plan to address 10 failing predominantly minority schools, a bill co-authored by the State Rep. will allow the Texas Education Agency to take over. Read why Dutton says his amendment makes good sense and will improve the schools.
O.J. Brigance
honored for ALS work Rice University recently honored the alum for his work with ALS. Brigance was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in May 2007. Given two to five years to live he’s worked tirelessly to bring international attention to the disease.
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Castex-Tatum wins District K Council seat Defender New Services
Martha Castex-Tatum defeated eight other candidates in the special election for the District K seat formerly held by the late Councilman Larry Green. Castex-Tatum worked as Green’s director of Constituent Services for District K. She received 3,292 votes in the election, about 65 percent. Her nearest competitor was Patricia “Pat” Frazier with 711 votes. She will join Councilmember Amanda Edwards as one of two African-American women on Houston City Council. Castex-Tatum’s background includes being the first African-American woman elected to the San Marcos City Council and serving as deputy mayor pro tempore. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). Green, 52, was found dead in his home on March 6. His staff members alerted police when he missed a morning meeting and failed to answer phone calls. He was the first councilmember for District K.
Martha Castex-Tatum
Attorney replacing Hilary Green as JP Defender News Services
At the request of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Commissioners Court appointed Reginald J. Fox to serve temporarily as justice of the peace, Precinct 7, Place 1. Hilary Green resigned the position in March after 10 years on the bench. Fox, who will not seek the position in the general election, will sit on the bench until mid-November. The recommendation for Fox to serve as interim justice of the peace came from a selection committee that evaluated applicants. Each political party will nominate a candidate for the Nov. 6 election by a convention of precinct chairs representing the precincts located in Precinct 7. The winner will take the office permanently after the votes are canvassed. Reginald Fox Fox, a staff attorney at Lone Star Legal Aid, works in the agency’s Housing and Consumer Unit. He received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Wiley College and law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Mayor Turner announces tech alliance Defender News Services
Mayor Sylvester Turner was joined by other city officials and Microsoft executives in outlining a new alliance.
In the latest stride toward putting Houston on the frontier of technological innovation, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that the city is the first in the nation to form an alliance with tech giant Microsoft. “On a long-term basis, Microsoft will up Houston’s technology game, starting at the grassroots,” Turner said. Turner and Microsoft executives outlined the alliance strategy at a news conference. An official agreement with the city calls for Microsoft to: l Support the promotion and establishment of initiatives that focus on STEM education and economic development for the city and its local government and non-profit partners in the area. l Conduct events under the “YouthSpark LIVE” banner on how young Houstonians can use technology to further their career goals. l Provide digital course work and other educa-
tional materials to academic institutions, their staffs and students through its Imagine Academy program. l “Adopt” one or more middle schools or high schools as tech advancement laboratories in some of the five neighborhoods that form the mayor’s Complete Communities initiative. l Provide free software and support to start-up businesses under a program called BizSpark. l Conduct DigiGirlz camps giving high school girls the opportunity to learn about careers in technology. l Host computer skill improvement classes for parents, veterans and people transitioning between careers. l Provide a digital platform for the “Houston Still Needs You” program that documents the hours of work by volunteers aiding in long-term recovery efforts related to Hurricane Harvey. l Assist the city in finding technological solutions to other challenges.
localbriefs AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT SIGNED BY MUHAMMAD ALI following his refusal to be inducted into the U. S. Army in Houston 51 years ago recently sold at auction for $19,200. Originally in the possession of news reporter Dan Lovett, the item was auctioned off by the Robert Edward Auctions company. Lovett, understanding the historical significance of the documents, had Ali sign one of the pages. The reporter was working for radio station KILT-AM at the time. The starting bid for the pages was set at $2,500 and a bidding war soon started between collectors looking to own a piece of American sports history……..HOUSTON RAPPER
BIG T HAS DIED. Born Terence Prejean, the artist was active through the ‘90s and 2000s, notably for singing the hook on Lil’ Troy’s hit “Wanna Be a Baller.” Big T also released a number of his own albums, including “Power Move” and “Million Dollar Hooks” in 2000 and 2001, respectively…….HISD IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS 2018 Summer Student Leadership Program, a six-week paid summer internship and leadership development program for HISD high school students and alumni currently enrolled in college. In line with HISD’s mission to provide students with the tools to reach their full potential, the program addresses the need to expose
students to fulfilling careers and skills employers demand in a rapidly-changing world. Participants will gain employment experience and have the opportunity to test-drive career pathways before choosing a college major or entering the workforce. Twenty scholars will be selected to complete an internship in various departments under the mentorship of district leaders. Applicants must be HISD high school students or alumni currently enrolled at a college or university and be at least 16 years old. Internships run from June 18-July 26. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 25. Visit www.HoustonISD.org/Intern for more information.
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U.S.briefs NEARLY HALF OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE’S staff is now people of color and 51 percent are women, according to a new report prepared as the party responds to criticism that it has taken minority voters for granted and overlooked them for jobs and contracts. Overall, 44 percent of DNC staffers are people of color, according to the report and 70 percent of department heads are now women. There was a two-fold increase in the number of African-Americans among the party’s top elective ranks…….A NASHVILLE WOMAN SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE for killing a man who picked her up for sex while she was being pimped as a teenager will receive a clemency hearing that could lead to her release. It will be the first clemency hearing for Cyntoia Brown since she was sentenced nearly 13 years ago, at age 17. A parole board will hear Brown’s request on May 23 and decide whether to recommend that she be released from the Tennessee Prison for Women, where she is serving life. Brown’s claim of self-defense was rejected by a jury in 2006. She was found guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery. Brown’s lawyers had challenged her sentence as unconstitutional, basing their claim on a Supreme Court ruling that finds life sentences for juveniles to be cruel and unusual punishment in most instances……..AN OFFICER WITH THE MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT is under fire, accused of assaulting a man on the ground after pursuing him in a car chase. David Suazo was driving a car that officers suspected to be stolen. Suazo fled and was captured. A bystander filmed police as they subdued and handcuffed Suazo. The video shows Suazo lying face down on the ground when Officer Mario Figueroa runs and kicks him in the head. Figueroa has since been relieved of his duties.
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Quest underway to create ‘a million young Obamas’ Defender News Service
Barack Obama will never be on a ballot again, but there will be ample opportunities to support him in 2018. A group of young politicians is trading on his popularity and mission to kick start their own careers and it’s all part of the master plan the former President has laid out. Although Obama is generally following the career path set by his predecessors – there’s a foundation, and the library and memoir are on their way – he’s doing it bigger. “After I left office, what I realized is the Obama Foundation could eventually create a platform for young up-and-coming leaders, both in the United States and around the world,” Obama said at a recent conference. “If I could do that effectively, then, you know, I would create a hundred or a thousand or a million young Barack Obamas or Michelle Obamas, or, you know, the next group of people who could take that baton in that relay race that is human progress and continue to build on the work that we have done.” A million Obamas is one of the most ambitious goals ever for a former American president, but one that already seems to be in the works. “People miss President Obama,” said Brian Forde, a former senior advisor in the Obama administration’s Office of Science and Technology. “It’s not just Democrats.” Forde is now running for Congress in California’s 45th district in Orange County. And he’s not the only Obama alum running. This year, more than 60 former members of the admin-
istration are running for elected office, according to the Obama Alumni Association. There are former interns and campaign staffers, an ex-ambassador to Denmark, and the former director for Iraq in Obama’s National Security Council. More than two dozen alumni are running for Congress, and others are running for state offices in 13 states. “We learned a lot working for him,” Forde said. “And the most good we can do is go back home, taking what you learned, and applying it to help people locally.”
Former President Barack Obama
Settlement reached in Starbucks arrest case Defender News Services
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 28 MAY 10, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer
Jodie B. Jiles
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson
Philadelphia has reached a settlement with Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson – the two Black men arrested in a city Starbucks last month – agreeing to pay them each a symbolic $1 and pledging $200,000 toward launching a program for young entrepreneurs in underserved communities. One element of that program is training in financial literacy. Both men say the settlement was rooted in a mutual desire to create something positive out of the April 12 event, which set off a national outrage. Officers handcuffed and detained Nelson and Robinson, both 23, after a Starbucks manager complained to police that they had refused to make a purchase or leave. Starbucks agreed to an undisclosed financial settlement, and to pay for the two men to complete bachelor’s degrees via a pre-existing Starbucks partnership with Arizona State University.
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Fans ask what happened to Kanye West Defender News Services
Kanye West was once one of the most significant, complex and celebrated rappers in the industry. But 2018 Kanye has left many fans scratching their heads in confusion. In recent weeks, the rapper, music producer, clothing designer, and provocateur has thrown his support firmly behind President Donald Trump and shouted out the alt-right-adjacent commentator Candace Owens. He also snapped a “Make America Great Again” red-hat selfie, wrote a verse that says Black people were still on “the Democratic plantation” and announced on TMZ that slavery was a “choice.” West said that he was “free thinking” and that he had slipped the bonds of Black political conventions – causing fans and celebrity friends to question his mental health. Black America’s dismay at West has been brew- Rapper Kanye West has Black America wondering what’s wrong after supporting President Donald Trump and calling slavery a ing for some time. He puzzled many when he posed for photos with Trump in December 2016, making him “choice.” one of the first celebrities to apparently endorse the from two new albums being released in June. On the new president. But his recent tweets left no room for doubt and album, West tries to detoxify the Trump brand. caused some of his friends to step up. West sees himself as celebrating the economic “So many people who love you feel so betrayed right and mental freedom for Blacks. For many, though, now because they know the harm that Trump’s policies the line was drawn with the slavery comments. cause, especially to people of color,” West’s friend John Leg- Rapper Meek Mill summed up the thoughts of many end wrote in a text message that West posted on Twitter. The when he posted an image of Kanye to Instagram, surrap star wrote back: “You bringing up my fans or my legacy rounded by the words “RIP Old Kanye” and quoting is a tactic based on fear used to manipulate my free thought.” Kanye’s lyrics back at him: “I feel the pressure, under Among ordinary Americans, meanwhile, there was more scrutiny / And what I do? Act more stupidly.” seething anger at West supporting someone who has reportSeveral other celebrities, including Stevie edly said “laziness is a trait in Blacks;” who campaigned for Wonder, Snoop Dogg and Janelle Monae, the death penalty for the Black teenagers, later proven inblasted West for his recent comments. nocent, in the Central Park Five case; and who thought there West earlier revealed to TMZ were some “very fine people” marching alongside neo-Nazis that he struggled with a dependency and white supremacists in Charlottesville. on painkillers after undergoing Reacting to – or having perhaps anticipated – all this, liposuction in November 2016 West released a new track, “Ye Vs the People,” the first music shortly before he was hospitalized
for a mental breakdown. In the interview, he explained that fear of media criticism exasperated the issue. “Y’all had me scared of myself, of my vision. So, I took some pills so I wouldn’t go to the hospital and prove everyone right,” he said. West elaborated on this external pressure saying that he feels trapped and directionless. “One year it’s Illuminati, next year it’s the sunken place,” he said, referring to the “Get Out” reference used by fans to explain his sudden political ideology shift in line with Trump. He expressed a feeling of being unable to change, not for lack of wanting to, but because he feels the public doesn’t want him to. Friend Jamie Foxx is one who isn’t abandoning him. “My man is going through something,” Foxx said. “I ain’t gonna be like everybody else and jump on the bandwagon and say I hate my dude.”
what’sup Actor and musician JAMIE FOXX returned to his native Texas to receive an honorary degree during Jarvis Christian College’s spring commencement. Foxx received the honorary doctorate from the HBCU in Hawkins for his activism and community service. Foxx, born Eric Bishop, is known for his roles in his self-titled sitcom as well as his Oscarwinning performance in “Ray” and other films such as “Django Unchained.” He also will serve as a visiting distinguished professor at Jarvis……. NICHELLE NICHOLS, a TV pioneer who gained fame playing Lieutenant Uhura on the cult-classic series “Star Trek,” is reportedly suffering from
dementia and needs protection. Her son has filed legal documents asking for trustees to be appointed to oversee the 85-year-old’s finances. He also wants to protect his mother’s estate and legally make medical decisions on her behalf.…...KEVIN HART said his mind is “blown” at the news that a close friend is behind the extortion video that left him embroiled in scandal last year. Jonathan Todd Jackson, Hart’s close friend for more than 15 years, is accused of attempting to gain money from Hart in return for keeping the video of him with a woman in his hotel room a secret. The two were apparently having sex in the comedian’s
Las Vegas hotel room. Jackson is facing two felony counts – attempted extortion and extortion by threatening letter…….OPRAH WINFREY has once again proven she has the magic touch. Winfrey’s decision to invest in Weight Watchers nearly two and a half years ago has turned out to be a great financial move. She first bought Weight Watchers stock in October 2015 for $43.5 million. Her investment is now worth more than $400 million. Winfrey, who is also on the company’s board and is featured in Weight Watchers ads, donated more than 360,000 shares to her charitable organization.
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Urban League: America needs tech diversity Defender News Services
A nationwide assessment of the digital economy has found that Blacks are overrepresented as tech consumers, but drastically underrepresented as tech employees, according to the 2018 “State of Black America,” the National Urban League’s annual publication. This year’s report, “Save Our Cities: Powering the Digital Marc Morial Revolution,” set out to answer the question, “Are the new job, business and educational opportunities created by increased digitization of our world being equally shared?” African-Americans make up less than 5 percent of the workforce at social media and technology companies, vs. more than 50 per-
cent for whites. Less than 6 percent of total Black employment in 2017 was in the tech industry, vs. 8.5 percent for whites. “Historically, while great industrial breakthroughs have profited our nation, AfricanAmericans have often been exploited, rather than elevated by these advancements,” NUL President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Fortunately, the digital revolution is still in its youth and ripe with potential for Black Americans. While it has positioned itself such that the barriers of entry are few and low, the findings of the National Urban League’s 2018 Digital Inclusion Index are unambiguous: we must separate the signal from the noise.” The full report includes the commentary and analysis of more than 50 thought leaders in business, government, science and the arts See the report at www.StateofBlackAmerica.com T:9.75”
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NAACP convention meets in San Antonio Defender News Services
The NAACP is preparing for its 109th Annual Convention to be held July 14-18 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson was recently in the Alamo city tokick-off the countdown for the event. Johnson said the conference couldn’t come at a more critical time for AfricanAmericans. “Our job is to fight against discrimination. The current landscape has allowed people to be more courageous with their discrimination. It is the role of the NAACP to suffocate that type of noise,” Johnson said. The NAACP is also working with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to increase voter registration, which Derrick Johnson will be a primary focus of the convention. This is the first time the event will be held in San Antonio and more than 10,000 people are expected to attend. “We have over 2200 branches, and the San Antonio branch of the NAACP is one of the most productive, oldest, strongest branches in the country,” Johnson said. For more information visit www.naacpconvention.org.
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DEFENDER | MAY 10 | 2018
SAVE OU Co-author of
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By VON JILES Defender
he failure of HISD to submit a plan by April 30 to address 10 predominantly minority schools rated as “improvement required” (IR) for the last five years has activated an amendment to House Bill 1842 and placed the district in limbo. As a result, HISD has two options – allow the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to take over the district or close the 10 schools in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. The fate of thousands of could be in the hands of Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and other officials. The IR-rated schools are Blackshear, Dogan, Highland Heights, Mading and Wesley Elementary Schools, Henry Middle School, Woodson PK-8, and Kashmere, Wheatley and Worthing High Schools. The co-author of the House Bill (HB) 1842, Houston State Rep. Harold Dutton (D-District 142), is weighing in on why his amendment makes good sense for HISD and will improve the schools. HB 1842 passed the State Legislature in 2015 and was designed to force districts to improve low-performing Houston State Rep. Harold Dutton schools or face tough consequences. Dutton said prior to its passage, districts were never pressured to do anything about failing schools. State Rep. Dutton comment “This says to the school district, what should happen nex ‘Either you do it, or we’ll get someone who can,’ “ he said. Dutton, a Fifth Ward native and Wheatley graduate, has served on the Dutton wan Public Education Committee longer than any legislator in Texas history. “historically kno He started his journey to fix Houston schools more than a decade ago. became worse. D Over the years, Dutton sponsored some education bills that didn’t failing and he sa pass. One proposed bill would have divided HISD into four sub-parts portion of a stan and each part would elect its own superintendent. Another bill would When Dutt have created an opportunity school district comprised of all the lowtest, the superint performing schools (IR status) for the last three years across Texas.
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State Rep. Harold Dutton
District gives too little, too late
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UR CHILDREN HB 1842 speaks out
“Well I do [know] because those children at Kashmere have never had a certified math teacher,” Dutton said. “HISD has certified math teachers but why is it that they don’t have any at Kashmere? They have them all in the schools on the west side of Houston. Yet I looked around the schools on the northeast side of Houston and most of them did not have certified math teachers. So I thought, why is that?” Dutton asked an HISD board member who represented the west side that question, and he said it wasn’t his problem because he represented another section of town. “I told him that he may have gotten elected on the west side, ‘but you don’t just represent the kids on the west side, you represent all of HISD and all of the students.’ ” Dutton, who has represented the north side for 33 years, talked to his colleague State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, chair of the House Public Education Committee, about his concerns. Aycock asked Dutton, “How would you fix the problem?” As a result, Dutton attached an amendment said districts must be held accountable when schools do not perform up to par. to HB 1842 that said drastic measures could be taken if a school remains IR for five consecutive Though those bills didn’t pass, years: TEA could come in and take over the school Dutton still felt victorious because he district and appoint a board of managers; alternative management could ts on drew attention to the plight of Black and be created to operate the school; or a school could be closed with the xt Hispanic schools across the state. He provision of a parent trigger, where permission of the majority parents recalled how a conversation he had with is required before closing any school. the then HISD superintendent eventually There are almost 7,000 students in the 10 IR-rated HISD schools, led to HB 1842. but Dutton said in reality, closer to 35,000 students have been impacted nted to know why Kashmere, which he describes as because of low-performance over a five-year period. own for its greatness but in the ‘90s started to decline,” “Some of my colleagues say the sanctions are too heavy,” Dutton Dutton asked the superintendent why Kashmere was said. “But my sense is, if you killed the future of some 35,000 kids, I aid it was because Kashmere did not do well on the math think you should suffer capital punishment You ought to be removed and ndardized test. someone else should take your place educating children.” ton asked why Kashmere did not perform well on the Read more at DefenderNetwork.com. tendent said he did not know.
m
s
In response to HISD’s troubles with schools facing state closure, Mayor Sylvester Turner proposed a partnership to create a nonprofit that would work with the district to turn around the 10 schools. Turner cited a partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School
Houston area for over 85 years
District and an L.A. nonprofit as an example. “I love the idea but it just comes a little bit too late,” said State Rep. Harold Dutton. “HISD had until April 30th to come up with a solution. These people were completely inept because they waited [too late] to do
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Advice for community leaders, parents “I think the community should be discussing the kinds of program they need at the schools, but first they need to do an assessment of what is wrong with the schools,” said State Rep. Harold Dutton. “They are talking about fixing the schools but I’m not sure everyone is on the same page as to what’s wrong with them. If you need a plumber, you don’t go get an electrician. That’s why an assessment is needed,” he said. “For example, you have 1800 students who are zoned to Wheatley but you only have 700 who go. That means you have a whole high school that goes somewhere else other than to the high school they are zoned to. The same thing is true of Kashmere, the same thing is true at other schools. “Students are letting their feet do the talking because they have decided the schools in northeast Houston are not where they can get the best education and I don’t blame them. I think that means that we who remain have a responsibility that when these children are selecting a school, that the education quality is the same anywhere in HISD.”
anything. This passed in 2015 and they have had since 2015 to work on a solution to the problem. “If you go to the hospital with an illness, the first thing the doctor does is try and determine what is wrong. I think the same thing is true of the schools.”
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DEFENDER | MAY 10 | 2018
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Yates Best of the Best Awards announced Defender News Services
Celebrating the 40th anniversaryversary of the Yates School of Communications, the magnet school presented its Best of the Best Awards in the areas of commercial photography, printing technology, radio broadcasting, narrative film and sports media. The awards luncheon was held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch, and was preceded by two workshops. The emcees were KRIV-TV news anchor Jonathan Martin and student Gabrielle Braziel. DeeJay SupaStar added the music beat that kept the program moving. After greetings from Defender CEO Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles, Federal Reserve Houston Branch Vice President Donald Bowers and Yates Assistant to the Principal Cherinta Baldwin, the Yates JROTC presented the colors. St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor Rudy Rasmus delivered the invocation. Keynote speaker D’Artagnan Bebel, vice president and general manager at KRIV-TV Fox 26, delivered a powerful presentation on “branding.” The highlight of the luncheon was the Best of the Best Awards, which included $1000 scholarships in each of the four areas.
Asukulu Akili, Tyrone Dargins and Mmunga Akili.
Gabrielle Braziel, Zytiek Harrison and Ted Irving.
Camren Williams, Andrea Brown, Mahdi Bey, Kazsia Cose and Di’Avolique Dunning.
Brittney Sheppard, Ray Carrington III, Destiny Carrier and Cody Weaver.
Asia Marshall, Jameshia Smith, Aisha Harris and Claudine Ntirampeba.
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MAY 10 | 2018 | DEFENDER
health
A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance
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Safe sleep practices reduce SIDS risk BY KARA CARTER, M.D.
I
t’s a scene that unfortunately plays out nearly 3,500 times per year across the United States: A mother puts her infant down to sleep only to return later to find her baby lifeless. Although it can happen to any baby, AfricanAmerican babies are among the most vulnerable. Kara Carter, M.D. The rate of infants under the age of 1 dying suddenly and unexpectedly has dropped in recent years, but African-American babies remain at high risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although an exact cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown, factors that elevate the risk, including accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, are well-documented.
Co-sleeping ups the risk
To help protect against these deaths, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs, and share a room but not a bed with
parents, caregivers, or other children because of the risk of suffocation. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), co-sleeping with a baby on an adult bed is even more dangerous when: • The adult smokes cigarettes or has consumed alcohol or medication that causes drowsiness. • The sleep surface is a couch, sofa, waterbed, air mattress, or armchair. • There are pillows or blankets on the bed. • The baby is younger than 11 weeks to 14 weeks of age. Instead of bed sharing, pediatricians recommend room sharing – keeping the baby’s sleep area separate, but in the same room where you sleep. Babies also should always be put to sleep on their backs, not their tummies or sides. It’s a myth that babies who sleep on their backs will choke if they spit up or vomit during sleep. The truth is babies automatically cough up or swallow fluid they spit up or vomit – it’s a reflex to keep the airway clear.
Follow safe sleep guidelines
Through ongoing SIDS research, medical professionals have found ways that may help reduce the
risk of SIDS. In addition to putting babies to sleep on their backs, other ways to lessen the risk of SIDS include: • Don’t put soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, or loose bedding such as blankets in bed with a baby. • Make sure the crib or bassinet mattress is firm with a tight fitting sheet. • Don’t put a baby’s bed next to a heat source and dress babies in light, comfortable clothes. Keep the baby’s face and head uncovered during sleep. Watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or the baby’s chest feeling hot to the touch. • Breastfeed your baby to reduce the risk of SIDS. • Get the recommended vaccines for your baby and regular health checkups. Vaccines not only protect a baby’s health, but research also shows vaccinated babies are at lower risk for SIDS. It’s important for parents to follow the above safe sleep guidelines for infants. Doing so can help lower your baby’s risk. Dr. Carter is a board-certified pediatrician at Kelsey-Seybold’s Katy Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 713-442-0000.
Get KelseyConnected
SM
Healthcare that Revolves Around You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, you have an entire healthcare team that can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for you. Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: n
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Locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/locations. 24-Hour Nurse Hotline. Speak with a Kelsey-Seybold nurse after 5 p.m. and on holidays and weekends.
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MyKelseyOnline. Email your doctor’s office, make appointments, refill prescriptions, view test results, and more.
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Appointments today! Book a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics appointment online at kelsey-seybold.com/NOW.
24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 | kelsey-seybold.com
12
DEFENDER | MAY 10 | 2018
defendernetwork.com
DEFENDER EXPERIENCE: PROM EDITION
Devin Williams, date get red carpet treatment
A
s the first winner of the Defender Experience: Prom Edition, Devin Williams enjoyed star treatment from the departure from his home in an SUV limo to the red carpet upon arriving at the Alief Taylor High School prom at the Corinthian. The Williams family was on location as Devin showed off a white tuxedo and was joined by his date Destiny Medina in a black and gold flowing gown. Eleanor Williams, the mother of the winner who completed the winning application, graciously received a dozen roses from Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles in appreciation for being a supportive member of the Defender Network family. After a photo and video session, Devin and his date were transported in a limo by Taylor Elite Transportation to the dining destination. Bryan Taylor specially prepared the limo with Devin’s favorite music and snacks. Arriving at the first-class restaurant Ibiza Food & Wine Bar Devin and Destiny were greeted by restaurateur and executive chef Charles Clark and Corporate Sales/Special Events director Cecilia Edwards as they were guided to reserved seating with candlelight. The personalized menu featured many of See Prom night photo gallery and video Friday on Devin’s favorite seafood
defendernetwork.com dishes, including grilled shrimp with crabmeat cornbread and tasso fricassee, grilled Louisiana spiced shrimp with pancetta and braised Brussels sprouts. As an added touch to a special night, Chef Clark prepared a unique dessert featuring salted caramel ice cream and chocolate hazelnut toffee on top of a warm Nutella brownie served with a side of cotton candy with fun sparklers. As 9 p.m. fast approached, Devin and Destiny were whisked off to the prom at the Corinthian with the red-carpet treatment, attracting their classmates’ wonder and amazement. When the prom ended, both Devin and Destiny received a Defender gift pack and a Taylor Elite gift box which included the book titled “Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else,” by Noah Gordon. “Devin is a talented high school athlete and I want him to continue to grow in his leadership skills and identify the nine qualities that all great athletes and business professionals have so he can be great on and off the field. Knowledge is power and fuel to success,” said Elite Taylor Transportation co-owner Paulette Taylor.
Devin, a student at Alief Taylor High School, escorted Destiny Medina to the prom.
Winner Devin Williams enjoyed a limo ride provided by Taylor Elite Transportation.
defendernetwork.com
MAY 10 | 2018 | DEFENDER
Bremond named park conservancy director Defender News Services
After an extensive national search, Lucy J. Bremond has been named the first executive director of the Emancipation Park Conservancy, which is charged with supporting the restoration and enhancement of the historic Third Ward park by preserving its integrity and enriching its heritage. Bremond will work with key stakeholders in introducing ideas, solutions and partnerships while enhancing existing programs and Lucy Bremond services of the conservancy, which include educational development, cultural awareness, economic empowerment, health and wellness, and environmental awareness. “This opportunity to work with the Emancipation Park Conservancy is very exciting in that it affords me the opportunity to continue doing my life’s work – service to others,” Bremond said.
THAT’S MY
MOMMA!
n u f e h t Join Which TV Mom is most like your Mom?
Bremond, a retiree from General Electric, served in a specialized community capacity. During her service to the GE Foundation, she helped provide strategic, tactical and functional operations for the company’s non-profit organization. She has also worked for HISD and Bremond Consulting Services, Inc.
See Male Summit story Friday on DefenderNetwork.com
Clair Huxtable, The Cosby Show
Cookie Lyon, Empire
Florida Evans, Good Times
Hanna Young, The Haves and The Have Nots
Jenifer Lewis, Mother of Black Hollywood
Louise ‘Weezie’ Jefferson, The Jeffersons
Madea, House of Payne
Rainbow Johnson, Black-ish
We’ll post the poll results on Mother’s Day Choose your TV mom now
@DefenderNetwork
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DEFENDER | MAY 10 | 2018
defendernetwork.com
sports
Rice hosts Celebration of Courage for O.J. Brigance O.J. Brigance
By MAX EDISON Defender
Rice University recently honored alum O.J. Brigance during its second annual Celebration of Courage Day to kick off ALS Awareness Month, which is held each May. Brigance, a 1992 Rice graduate, played football for the Owls. He played in the CFL and NFL and won a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 (XXXV). Brigance, a Willowridge High School graduate, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in May 2007. He was initially given two to five years to live upon diagnosis. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Gehrig, a star with the New York Yankees, brought international attention to the disease when he was diagnosed with ALS in 1939. Despite not being able to walk, talk, move, breathe or eat on his own, Brigance impacts the lives of others daily as senior advisor to player engagement for the Ravens and as co-founder and board chairman of his nonprofit organization, the Brigance Brigade Foundation. The foundation works to help families impacted by ALS, an expensive disease, through equipment donations, resource guidance and support services. “I can think of no other word than ‘blessed’ to describe how it feels to have my hometown and my alma mater supporting me during ALS Awareness Month,” Brigance said. “My time at Rice, and growing up in Houston, truly shaped the person I am today, and for that I am grateful. And now, as Rice battles ALS with the Brigance Brigade Foundation, we have even more reasons for gratitude.” He and his wife Chanda started the Brigance Brigade Foundation in 2008 after enduring the
financial and emotional stress of the disorder. Their mission is to empower families and improve the quality of life for people battling ALS. The organization has raised millions for ALS research and support. The day at Rice included a 1.57 Mile Championship Walk, followed by the Celebration of Courage Reception. The reception’s special guests included Tyrone Willingham and Garland Boyette. Willingham was a member of the Rice coaching staff that recruited Brigance in 1987. He also served as head coach at Notre Dame (2002-04) and the University of Washington (2005-08). Boyette is a former Houston Oiler and Grambling University alum.
Brigance, a native Houstonian, is a Rice University and Willowridge High School alum. He and his wife Chanda (above) started the Brigance Brigade Foundation for others impacted by ALS.
Brigance played linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and is currently an advisor to the team.
Boyette and Kansas City’s Willie Lanier were the first African-Americans to play middle linebacker in professional football. In addition, Rice awards the O.J. Brigance Courage Award annually to a Rice football player who best represents and demonstrates the combined qualities of teamwork, good character, work ethic, and courageous leadership, which were the hallmarks of Brigance’s career. This year’s award winner is senior linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee, who recently signed a free agent contract to play with the Buffalo Bills. “My hope is that people would take away from today’s festivities a sense of empowerment,” Brigance said. “The thing I want people to know about ALS is that although there is a loss of physical abilities, our minds remain sharp. We are still very capable of contributing to society with the assistance of recent technological advances. As with any life trial, if you have faith and a positive attitude, you can overcome any challenge.”
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h.s.zone
MAY 10 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs TSU rules the diamond
Pitcher Jolie Duong has special status at Bellaire
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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
ellaire High School head softball coach Brien Tuffly saw a familiar sight following the Lady Cardinals’ 4-2 victory over Katy Tompkins in game one of a best-of-three area round playoff series at the Butler Sports Complex. Senior Jolie Duong hurled a complete-game two-hitter with eight strikeouts while accounting for three of the four Bellaire runs with an RBI single and a two-run home run. Duong added a stolen base and a run scored. “What she did tonight was a regular occurrence for her. She’s an incredible player,” Tuffly said. “Her batting average for the season is .535 and that was her seventh or eighth home run. I’ve lost track of how many RBIs she has. “She’s committed to go to West Point,” Tuffly said. “She’s very special.” Tompkins and Bellaire were no strangers to one another having met in the postseason a year ago. “Coming into the game I knew they were a good team because we played them in the second round of the playoffs last year,” Duong said. “They beat us once in a three-game series so I knew they had a good lineup. “I also knew their pitcher has an amazing drop ball so I knew what to work on before coming into this game,” she said. Bellaire carried a 4-0 advantage into the top of the seventh inning when Tompkins turned two hits and an error into a two-run uprising. “When they started getting hits I knew we could keep it together with my team behind me,” Duong
said. “We just had to stay together as a team to get out of that inning.” Tuffly hopes to utilize a similar formula moving forward in the playoffs with the exception of a few miscues. “As you saw in the last inning if you give a good team a chance to scratch back, they’ll take advantage of it,” he said. “They got two hits, we made an error and Jolie walked one. “She may have been over-pitching a little bit then and they came up with two runs,” Tuffly said. “She was able to dial it back in and get two popups to end the game.” Tuffly said the Lady Cardinals can’t afford the missed opportunities they wasted in game one against Tompkins with runners left on base. “We’ve got to hit when we have runners in scoring position,” he said. “I think we stranded 10 or 11 runners tonight and that shouldn’t happen with the way we swing the bat. “We should have put six or seven runs on that team in the first four innings and then it doesn’t become an issue,” Tuffly said. Although Duong had a hot bat in game one she felt her biggest contribution came elsewhere. “I would say that I was most effective in the circle for the most part,” she said. She also knows that Bellaire can’t afford to rest on its laurels. “We know they’re going to come back stronger and wanting to beat us even more in the next game,” she said. “So, we really have to push through and not give them any life.” Bellaire won the series in three games to advance.
The Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University claimed their ninth consecutive SWAC West Division title with a five-inning, 9-0 win at Alcorn State. Tevanae Tate and Madi Marek knocked in three runs each for the Lady Tigers (22-16-1). Meanwhile, the men (22-25) captured the West crown with an 8-1 win over Grambling. Tiger outfielder Kamren Dukes, a Pearland native, continues to swing a hot bat for the men. Dukes has hit safely in 32 consecutive games. The 32-game hitting streak is the longest currently active streak in the nation and tied for the second longest streak by a Division I player in 2018. Both teams will be top seeds in the upcoming conference tournaments.
PVAMU wins in track For the first time in a decade, the Prairie View A&M University Panthers are SWAC outdoor track and field champions, besting Alabama State and Jackson State behind clutch victories in field action. PVAMU scored 167 points, followed by Alabama State (161) and Jackson State (160). Up by two points heading into the final event, PVAMU (3:09.81) managed a second-place finish behind TSU (3:09.60) to seal it, as Alabama State and Jackson State faded during the stretch run of the relay. UAPB finished third at 3:13.42. Jackson State distance runners Vincent Langat and Henry Kiplagat (28 points) finished as Co-Most Outstanding Track Performers after winning a combined four gold medals. PVAMU’s Chris Clay was named Coach of the Year.
Coach Courtney retiring Three-time state championship high school basketball coach Ronnie Courtney has announced his retirement at the end of the school year. The 60-year-old Courtney guided Willowridge to consecutive state titles in 2000-2001 with T.J. Ford, Daniel Ewing, Ivan McFarlin and Kenny Taylor. Those teams were 75-1, including a 62-game winning streak over two seasons. Courtney has been at Fort Bend Bush since 2007 and led the Broncos to a state title in 2010. Washington Wizards guard Kelly Oubre Jr. and former McDonald’s All-American Cameron Ridley were members of his teams at Bush. Courtney has been in the coaching profession for 37 years, including 29 as a head coach. He also coached in the collegiate ranks at TSU from 2001 to 2007, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2003. “I know I’m leaving a bunch of kids that looked to me for guidance,” Courtney said. “But at the end of the day I just think it’s time for me to do something different in my life.”
Deer Park baseball alive Defending Class 6A state baseball champion Deer Park survived a game one loss (3-1) to Summer Creek in a best-of-three bi-district playoff series and advanced to the area round with consecutive 2-1 and 8-2 victories. The Deer will face Clear Springs, an opponent they eliminated in the third round last season. The teams have split two earlier meetings this season in tournaments. The Chargers won the first meeting 4-2 and Deer Park rebounded with a 7-5 victory. Two first-round playoff upsets were Cypress Woods eliminating Bellaire and Dickinson ousting Dawson.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
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DEFENDER | MAY 10 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
GREATER HOUSTON FRONTIERS CLUB RECEPTION……..The were joined by recording artist Tiffany R. “Singz,” model/poet Ebonie “Miss Greater Houston Frontiers Club (GHFC) recently hosted a scholarship reception to Pinky” Anderson, and author Nzinga Rideaux in addressing event attendees. They celebrate its 2018 scholarship recipients. The GHFC, headed by President Donnell included honorees Kyra Hardwick, Courtney Johnson Rose, Micah Gamboa, Cooper, is a non-profit, service organization dedicated to transforming the lives Barbara Joseph, Allison Hay, Elizabeth Pudwill, Anna Dragsbaek and Dawn of local high school students. One way they do this is by providing educational and Lawless. Other attendees included Juanita Ceaser, Loritha La Rose, Endia monetary assistance to talented area high school seniors. Warren Broadnax, CEO Johnson, Thomasine Johnson, Joyce Young, Tikila Adolph, Gigi Fonteneaux and founder of She’s Happy Hair, was the event’s keynote speaker, and funder of and more..…….. PROJECT ROW HOUSES COMMUNI-TEA……..Project five additional scholarships awarded that evening. Attendees Row Houses celebrated its 25th Anniversary with CommuniTea, included emcee KG Smooth (Majic 102 FM), Sonia White, Defender TOP EVENTS an event highlighting its Young Mothers Residential Program Jalon Jackson, Seghen Kinney, Taeler Braithwaite, Sa’de (YMRP). The event commemorated the legacy of lives positively More photos on defendernetwork.com Black, Alexa Authrlee, Sanaa Lee, Stephanie Lee, Simone impacted by YMRP over the years. People came donning Lee, Marcellus Jordan III and many more…….WOMEN everything from hats and sandals to sundresses and kente while CULTIVATING GREATNESS INAUGURAL LUNCHEON….. Women enjoying fun, fellowship and uplifting words from YMRP members and alumni. Attendees included PRH founder Rick Lowe and supporters of all levels, like Cultivating Greatness (WCG) held its Celebrating Women of Excellence Inaugural Luncheon at the Power Center. The event lauded the difference-making work of Andrew Speckhard, Devaron and Tiffani Yates, Eureka Gilkey, Ryan Dennis, eight executive directors of Houston-area non-profits that focus on serving women. Munirah Olabisi, Marc Newsome, Stephanie Jackson, Zeinab Bakhiet, Josie Pickens, Breonna Goode and many more. WCG executive director Kim Mason and event emcee Syan Rhodes (KPRC-TV),
KG Smooth, Donnell Cooper
Sanaa Lee, Stephanie Lee, Simone Lee
Jalon Jackson, Seghen Kinney
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ker
Nzinga Rideaux, Tiffani R. “Singz” Moseley, Syan Rhodes
Andrew Speckhard, Tiffani Yates, Devaron Yates
Kim Mason, Juanita Ceaser
Shannette Prince, Dolores Rodgers
Tikila Adolph, Angela Wells, Miri Crawford
Munirah Olabisi, Zeinab Bakhiet, Barkat Syed
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