Houston Defender, May 11, 2017

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Volume 86 | Number 29

MAY 11, 2017 |FREE

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NEWSTALK JORDAN EDWARDS family sues over death

P2 NATIONAL HEALTHCARE

house bill hurts women, poor

PLAN A SUCCESSFUL

FAMILY REUNION H PAGE 8

Barack Obama staying busy

Rachael Malonson fights backlash

The former president recently received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award as he and Michelle vowed to continue their good work.

See what else the former president is working on.

After being crowned Miss Black University of Texas, the Magnolia college student found herself under attack from social media users who complained that she wasn’t ‘Black enough’ for the title.

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P4 HS ZONE RONALD BROWN leading Bellaire baseball

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TOP EVENTS

Judy A Smith, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Melinda Spaulding at the TSU Maroon & Gray Affair.

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DEFENDER | MAY 11 | 2017

newstalk

Father of teen shooting victim sues Defender News Services

The father of Jordan Edwards, the 15-year-old Black teen fatally shot by a suburban Dallas police officer last month, is filing a lawsuit against the city in hopes of getting some type of justice for his son.

Police officials said Roy Oliver, then a Balch Springs, Texas officer, killed Jordan as the teen rode in a car with his stepbrother and brother on April 29 after leaving a house party.

The officer shot into the vehicle as it was driving away, hitting Jordan in the head as he sat in the front seat.

Oliver has since been fired and charged with murder. He was released after he posted bail on a $300,000 bond. Oliver “violated several departmental policies,” police said when they announced his termination. They offered no details because he has a right to appeal.

Police Chief Jonathan Haber said he made the decision after reviewing the findings of an internal investigation.

Oliver initially said the car Jordan was in moved “aggressively” toward police. But body camera footage showed the car was moving forward and away from them. According to the lawsuit filed by Odell Edwards, it was not until the release of the bodycam footage that the police department changed its response to Oliver and the shooting.

According to the lawsuit, “Oliver’s violent temper, a fact defendant City of Balch Springs was aware of or should have been aware of, led to the wrongful death of Edwards.”

In addition, Edwards’ attorneys argue that “despite defendant Oliver’s conduct prior to Edwards’

Jordan Edwards

death, he remained a Balch Springs Police officer and was not terminated despite his conduct and multiple violations of departmental policies.”

The suit also alleges that a Balch Springs police officer at the scene of the shooting attempted to cover up for Oliver.

City Manager Susan Cluse declined to comment.

The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Mayor Carrie Marshall and Oliver’s attorney couldn’t be immediately reached.

The suit alleges Oliver had a “reputation for having a short fuse.” The Dallas County district attorney’s office, according to the court filing, had filed a complaint over his “aggressive behavior” and suspension in a prior drunken driving case.

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HISD voters say ‘yes’ to recapture Defender News Services

Now that HISD voters have changed their minds on the district’s “recapture” bill, flipping from a “no” to a “yes” vote on how to contribute to the state’s so-called Robin Hood system, the question now is, what happens next?

For starters, HISD will write a check to the state for about $77 million. HISD Board President Wanda Adams called that a win.

“What this means right now for the voters, is that we’re just going to honor our responsibility as a district and pay the recapture payment right now,” Adams said.

It also means HISD gets to keep its entire tax base, including properties like the Galleria. HISD could have lost $8 billion worth of commercial sites on its tax roll to pay the recapture bill.

HISD voters initially voted on Proposition 1 in November 2016, when they rejected it. This time, 86 percent of voters approved it. In 2017, even though more than 75 percent of their students are labeled “economically disadvantaged,” HISD has been labeled “property wealthy” because the value of Houston’s homes and businesses keep going up.

Adams and others hope the “yes” vote will spur bigger changes to how Texas pays for public schools.

Bob Harvey with the Greater Houston Partnership pointed to a bill moving forward in the Texas Legislature that could boost funding for every student, House Bill 21, filed by state Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Humble.

“What it really represents is the beginning of a conversation that could really transform public school finance in 2019 or 2021. So, for the first time in many years, we’re at least having a considered conversation,” Harvey said.

Harvey added that the Greater Houston Partnership is committed to being a part of that continued discussion.

localbriefs MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER and faith leaders representing diverse congregations from across Houston have launched the Meaningful Change-Not Spare Change campaign to address panhandling. The campaign encourages Houstonians to donate to organizations that are ending homelessness instead of giving to panhandlers. Organizers encourage contributing our “spare change” directly to organizations that are working to get our homeless neighbors off the streets and into housing…….ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST civil rights groups, the ACLU, is cautioning against traveling to Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott signed what critics have called the most extreme state-

based immigration bill in history. The bill allows peace officers to question the immigration status of people they legally detain or arrest, and also punishes department heads and elected officials who don’t cooperate with federal immigration agents. Abbott and other supporters of the bill insist it’s needed to enforce the rule of law and deter people who are already in the country illegally from committing more crimes. Many law enforcement agencies and faith-based organizations have said the law opens up the state to legalized racial profiling and could also place U.S. citizens in the crosshairs of local police who want to enforce immigration law…….MADISON HIGH SCHOOL TOOK HOME

TOP HONORS at the inaugural OTC Energy Challenge 2017, a team competition for local high school students to solve a real-world energy challenge, applying the scientific method with the aid of an academic coach and an industry mentor. Each four-member team received a $1,000 stipend to solve the challenge, and their projects were judged by a panel of representatives from the energy industry and academia. In addition to Madison’s team, five other Houston Independent School District schools competed in the challenge. They were: Energy Institute High School, Kashmere High School, Milby High School, Westside High School, and Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.

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U.S.briefs

Healthcare bill hurts women, poor Defender News Services

N

ow that House Republicans have managed to push through legislation that repeals the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and replaces it with the American Healthcare Act (AHCA), many are left wondering what that means for them.

If the AHCA is enacted – it still has to pass the Senate – experts estimate that 24 million people could lose their healthcare coverage and 130 million people could see a rise in healthcare costs due to the laundry list of pre-existing conditions listed in the bill.

The next step is a vote in the Senate, which could test the mettle of the Republican Party, since the GOP has a tenuous 52/50 hold on the Senate, and a handful of defectors could tank the bill. If some version of the AHCA passes the Senate, here is a list of the biggest losers.

Women

Some of the pre-existing conditions that trigger higher costs are either exclusively or predominately experienced by women. Conditions include having an abortion, being a rape or domestic violence survivor, pregnancy and having a C-section.

Anyone with pre-existing conditions

Anyone who is in the “high-risk pool” could see a considerable increase in healthcare costs. A study by the Center for American Progress estimates that premium increases would be $17,320 for pregnancy, $5,600 for diabetes and a staggering $142,650 for metastatic cancer.

Special education students

The AHCA slashes Medicaid by $880 billion over the course of 10 years and put a per-capita cap on how much money is allocated. School districts rely heavily on that federal program to fund services for special education students.

Poor people

The AHCA effectively eliminates Obamacare’s Medeicaid expansion, leaving low-income people (especially the working poor with fluctuating incomes) with little to no affordable options.

Planned Parenthood & clients

The bill bans federal money from being used at reproductive health facilities that also provide abortions, like Planned Parenthood, which provides many other services besides abortions, including STD testing, birth control access, pregnancy testing, and pap smears.

Louisiana lawmakers vote to keep corporal punishment in schools Defender News Service

The Louisiana House of Representatives has rejected a statewide ban on corporal punishment in schools.

Individual school districts can continue to use their own discretion on whether and how to physically punish misbehaving children. Currently, 38 of the state’s 69 public school districts allow schools to use corporal punishment.

Democratic state Rep. Barbara Norton, who sponsored the defeated measure, said paddling “brutalizes” students. She underscored that 1,633 public school students received corporal punishment in Louisiana since 2011.

“I believe at the end of the day we’re teaching our students about violence,” she said, The Advocate reported.

Those on the other side of the aisle argued that the state should not impose its values on communities. “I still feel like we can do some things better at the local level,” said state GOP Rep. J. Rogers Pope, a retired school superintendent.

Those in the middle, like Republican chairwoman of the House Education Committee Rep. Nancy Landry, said students need safeguards. For example, the state should prohibit male administrators from spanking female students and requiring children to remove their clothing before a paddling.

More than 110,000 students nationwide were subjected to corporal punishment during the 2013-2014 school year.

HUD DIRECTOR BEN CARSON is under fire for his recent statements that suggest public housing shouldn’t be a comfortable place to live because people will say, “I’ll just stay here. They will take care of me.” Carson made the remarks while on a trip to visit facilities around some of the poorest areas of Detroit, Dallas, Miami and Ohio. Carson also made several remarks about downgrading facilities and praised an official at a homeless shelter for stacking “dozens of bunk beds inside,” and purposely depriving the quarters of televisions. As expected, the remarks have incensed many, who believe such an outlook simply hurts those that Carson has been tasked with helping…….THE WHITE HOUSE HAS FIRED ITS CHIEF USHER, the person responsible for managing the residence, staff and overseeing events. No reason was given for Angella Reid’s dismissal. Reid was the first woman and second African-American to hold the post. She oversaw daily operations at the 132-room mansion and its staff of over 90 plumbers, electricians, butlers, cooks and others. The chief usher coordinates closely with the first family, and helps ensure things run smoothly at the Easter egg roll, state dinners and other events…….FORMER PRESIDENT OBAMA said that he and Michelle Obama would personally donate $2 million to support summer jobs for Chicago young people this year. Obama made the announcement while presenting preliminary plans for his presidential library and center in Chicago’s Jackson Park neighborhood. Construction will take four years, but Obama said he wanted the facility to start offering programs immediately…….FIVE BOKO HARAM COMMANDERS WERE RELEASED in exchange for the freedom of 82 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by the extremist group three years ago. The Red Cross, which along with the Swiss government mediated the Nigerian government’s negotiations with Boko Haram, said the girls soon would meet with their families.

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 29 MAY 11, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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).

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Obama receives Profile in Courage Award Defender News Services

Former President Barack Obama, in his first public comments about the ongoing debate over his signature health care plan, recently implored members of Congress to demonstrate political courage even if it goes against their party’s positions.

Obama briefly returned to the spotlight as he accepted the annual John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award at JFK’s presidential library in Boston. The award is named for a 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Kennedy that profiled eight U.S. senators who risked their careers by taking principled though unpopular positions.

In his approximately 30-minute speech after accepting the award, Obama steered clear of partisan attacks and never mentioned his successor, President Donald Trump, who has often criticized the previous administration and has worked to undo many of Obama’s initiatives, including the Affordable Care Act. The former president recalled members of Congress who voted to pass the ACA during his presidency, only to lose their seat in later elections.

“They had a chance to insure millions,” he said. “But this vote could also cost them their seats, perhaps end their political careers.”

Obama made no direct reference to the recent House vote to dismantle much of the health care law, but noted that the debate over the issue was continuing. The House bill faces an uncertain

“It is my fervent hope…that today’s members of Congress regardless of party are willing to look at the facts and speak the truth.”

Former President Barack Obama received the coveted Profile in Courage Award from Caroline Kennedy.

future in the Senate, which is expected to write its own version of the legislation.

“It is my fervent hope and the hope of millions [that] such courage is still possible, that today’s members of Congress regardless of party are willing to look at the facts and speak the truth, even when it contradicts party positions,” Obama said.

The former president focused much of his address on the legacy of the late President Kennedy, as the library prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth later this month. Obama noted the Kennedys had long advocated for health care reform, and in particular, the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.

U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, a Massachusetts

Democrat, said Obama earned the award by meeting many challenges that faced him during his presidency.

“It’s about understanding the challenges we face as a country and as a planet and mustering the political will to do what is right even if what is right at that moment isn’t necessarily popular,” said Kennedy, a harsh critic of the GOP health overhaul plan.

Caroline Kennedy, JFK’s daughter who served as ambassador to Japan, and Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson, presented the award.

Obama was not the first former U.S. president to receive the Profile in Courage award. Previous recipients include Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.

Obamas vow to continue good work Defender News Services

Former First Lady Michelle Obama isn’t letting anything stop her from fulfilling her commitment to girls’ education.

Just days after the Trump administration denied reports about ending the former first lady’s 2015 global education initiative “Let Girls Learn,” despite the fact that future funding is in question, Michelle is emphasizing her and former President Barack Obama’s dedication to the issue with their planned Obama Presidential Center.

“Excited by the potential of the Obama Pres. Center,” she recently tweeted. “Barack [and]

I will continue to champion the issues close to our hearts, including girls ed[ucation].”

The Obamas traveled to Chicago to preview a design for the forthcoming center in Jackson Park on the south side of the city.

The former president also moderated a roundtable discussion on their vision for the Obama Presidential Center.

According to the Barack Obama Foundation, the center will include a museum, a library (hosted by University of Chicago), offices and an event space.

The center will reportedly cost at least $500 million, covered by fundraising, and is expected to open in 2021.

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DEFENDER | MAY 11 | 2017

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MAY 11 | 2017 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Blacks among artists at Comicpalooza

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his year’s Comicpalooza is promising to be bigger and better than ever – bringing more than 40,000 people to the George R. Brown Convention Center Friday, May 12 through Sunday, May 14. Among this year’s highlights are several African-American fan favorites.

The three-day event will feature panel discussions, celebrity autograph sessions, art, gaming, film, fantasy cosplay and other activities.

“Comicpalooza is a diverse and vibrant event – it presents an opportunity for artists, writers, filmmakers and even engineers to showcase their talent for the public to experience,” said John Simons, founder of Comicpalooza.

Among the Black celebrities taking part in the event are:

ANTHONY MACKIE

Best-known from Oscar-winning films “The Hurt Locker” and “Million Dollar Baby,” Mackie continues to be one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. He was classically trained at the Juilliard School of Drama and appeared last year as “The Falcon” in the third installment of the Captain America franchise “Captain America: Civil War,” reprising his role from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Q&A Panel – May 13, 4:30 p.m.

Photo Ops –1 p.m.-3 p.m.

MIKE COLTER

Colter shot to fame as Marvel’s Luke Cage in the lauded Netflix series. The highly anticipated Netflix follow up, “The Defenders,” brings Luke Cage and Jessica Jones together again later this year, alongside Daredevil and Iron Fist. Colter’s earliest screen work was in “The Parkers” starring Mo’Nique in 2002 followed by the long running NBC series “ER.” From there, Colter has stayed busy, with roles in numerous films Q&A Panel – May 13, 1:30 p.m.

Photo Ops - May 13, 3 p.m.-3:30 p.m. , May 14, 11:30 a.m.-noon

Anthony Mackie

Mike Colter

CHAD COLEMAN

Critically acclaimed TV, film and stage actor Coleman is best known for his role as fan-favorite Tyreese on “The Walking Dead” and as the reformed criminal Dennis “Cutty” Wise on “The Wire.” Coleman recently starred as Mingo in the remake of the classic 1977 miniseries “Roots.”

Q&A Panel – May 13, 6 p.m.

Photo Ops - May 12, 4:10 p.m.-4:15 p.m., May 13, 5 p.m. -5:05 p.m., May 14, 3:20 p.m.-3:25 p.m.

LAWRENCE GILLIARD JR.

Best known for his work on the critically acclaimed series “The Wire,” Gilliard also appeared on “The Walking Dead.” He studied classical music at Baltimore School for the Arts but decided to pursue acting instead. He made his film debut as the lead in the film “Straight Out of Brooklyn.”

Q&A Panel – May 13, 6 p.m.

Photo Ops – May 12, 4:20 p.m.-4:25 p.m., May 13, 5:10 p.m.-5:15 p.m., May 14, 3:25 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Chad L. Coleman

“WALKING DEAD” GROUP PHOTO

With Coleman, Gilliard, Scott Wilson and Steven Ogg • May 12, 4:15 p.m.-4:20 p.m., May 13, 5:05 p.m.5:10 p.m., May 14, 3:35 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Lawrence Gilliard, Jr.

what’sup NICKI MINAJ is putting some fans on scholarship.

After a fan asked the hip-hop star if she would pay his college tuition on Twitter recently, Minaj agreed to pay fans’ school costs — on the condition that they show her perfect marks. A few dozen fans took Minaj up on the offer, posting screenshots of their grades.

Minaj replied individually to some throughout the night and agreed to pay other things like book costs and student loans. Minaj wrapped up the contest after a few hours, but she promised to do it again in a month or two…..EBONY Magazine has called Chicago home since it was founded in 1945, but now,

it is moving to Los Angeles and consolidating with its sister publication, Jet. The magazine has also laid off 10 of its 35 employees. Ebony has struggled to get its feet underneath it after being sold to the CVG Group by Johnson Publishing, the family-owned group that founded the magazine, for an undisclosed amount in 2016. Reports have circulated of freelance writers not being paid and subscription deliveries not being delivered since the November issue. Ebony has promised to resolve all issues....Nineties girl group, XSCAPE is not happy about the new biopic being produced about them. TV One recently announced it

would be producing Who Can I Run To: The Xscape Story. The project was reportedly inspired by the Unsung behind-the-scenes that KANDI BURRUSSTUCKER, TAMEKA “TINY” HARRIS and LATOCHA and TAMIKA SCOTT participated in back in 2015 and would cover both the group’s rise to fame and their infamous split and drama.

However, the group apparently didn’t get the memo and were shocked at the announcement that a biopic was coming out about them. The ladies say they will create their own biopic and docu-series with MONA SCOTT-YOUNG.

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DEFENDER | MAY 11 | 2017

PLANNING A SUCCESSFU

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FAMILY REUNION

frican-Americans have long prized family gatherings. The family reunion contributes to the survival, health, and strength of their families. They have also helped maintain cultural heritage in uncertain and turbulent times. The Defender shares how families can successfully plan a vacation together for the sole purpose of reunion, reconnection and rejoicing in the opportunity to hang out with extended family and loved ones.

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

Create a plan

To plan a successful reunion, it’s best to start by picking a date and a location.

To do this effectively, gather a committee to select three possible dates and locations.

Then, send questionnaires asking family members to rank the options on when, where and what they want.

While you can’t meet everyone’s needs, a survey is the best tool for finding out what works for most relatives.

Recruit and delegate

No one person can manage all aspects of a family reunion. It is important to recruit reliable and capable family members to oversee ‘reunion’ jobs. For example, enlist a finance director who handles the reunion checking account, maintains the budget, and makes purchases; a lodging liaison who finds accommodations and negotiates group discounts; and a food director who either works with a caterer or handles the potluck.

Things

Build a budget

How much your reunion costs can determine how many people show up. It’s important to keep costs down or try to give the family plenty of lead time to budget, at least 6-12 months in advance. Give an idea of the price in the first mailing. You can also ask each family to pitch in a set amount of seed money. This is a good way to offset startup costs.

can also have optional outings such as golf, mall trips or excursions to historical sites.

For the older relatives, have a deck of cards or box of dominos available. For kids, aim for a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. Teenagers can organize the younger children’s games

Prepare a back-up plan

Nip feuds quickly

If the family reunion is initially outside, reserve a pavilion that can accommodate all the attendees in case of unexpected weather. Pack a few board games or crafts for the children to play while indoors.

Get the word out

Sending out invitations as early as possible is key. Ways to do this is by creating a simple flyer, an elaborate newsletter or a postcard. Use mailings to relay information and incite interest. Opt for e-mail if the family is plugged-in to keeping costs down and also make sure to give an easy point of contact.

Set up the family reunion website

Start by adding all family members on Facebook, Twitter, or some other social platform. Also, frequently post status updates to inform the family on the process to keep them aware and involved. But remember that some older relatives may not be as ‘tech-savvy’ as the rest of the family. Make sure they still get all the important reunion news the old-fashioned way, like in a phone call.

Offer something for everyone

Offering a range of activities to meet varied ages and interests is important. You

Every family has its drama. Try to see to it that well-known inflammatory topics aren’t introduced. And if an old argument should reappear, defuse the situation quickly. Have a joke ready; put recognized family peacemakers on alert; send the squabblers to separate corners to simmer down; or bring the kids in to distract everyone from the tension. Make sure that the memories everyone carries away from the event are happy ones.

Share your family’s story and make memories

No matter how different your relatives are, your family heritage is one thing everyone in the family has in common. Celebrate it by setting out old photos and memorabilia and talking about them. Incorporate family favorite dishes and turn up the old ‘skool’ slide music. Use this opportunity to create a family photo album (everyone brings pictures and create a page), and record a video of reunion footage.

Consider investing in a camera that prints polaroid pictures right after you snap a photo, so that you can easily hand them older family members for keepsake.

Maintain the momentum

Discovery Green

This 12-acre park lo and active place wi th prog workers, residents, and vis

Downtown Aquar

Part attraction, part re complex is a multifunction carousel, Shark Vo yage, a w Where: 410 Bagby St

Houston Parks

Discovery Green Pa rk and film screenings to art ex rants, The Grove an d The La atmosphere.

Where: 1500 McK inne

The Miller Outdo or

T

Theatre offers frees perfo whole family that’s easy on th Where: 6000 Herm ann P

Market Square P ark

provides a place fo r entert space on the north side of down

After the reunion, plan to keep in touch until the next one. Continue to send family newsletters through your family website. Recruit volunteers to send a newsletter, share photos, or send updates.

defendernetwork.com • Serving t

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where families can enjoy weekly farm ers market xhibits and yoga cla sses. There are also two restauake House, each wi th a distinctive men u and dining ey St.

Theatre

ormances all season long; it’s entertainm ent for the he budget.

Park Dr.

tainment, dining, pu blic art and just plain green ntown. That park sit s on the site of the or iginal

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10-STEPPLAN

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ocated in downtown Houston, is designe d as an engaging gramming to serve all ages and backgr ounds, as well as sitors alike.

estaurant, the 500,0 00-gallon Downtown Aquarium nal destination boas ting a Ferris wheel, an aquatic white tiger and ship wreck exhibit and a restaurant. t.

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s to do with famil

rium

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y in Houston

Houston City Hall and features a Gree k restaurant, enclose numerous artistic sc d dog run, garden an ulptures. d Where: 301 Milam St.

Houston Zoo

has a special childre n’s zoo and an aqua Also, the zoo’s Natu rium filled with exot ral Encounters facil ic aquatics. ity gives kids a “nos with animals. e to nose” experienc e Where: 6200 Herm ann Park Dr.

Wet ‘N’ Wild Spla shTown Families ca

n beat that Houston heat by visiting Splas est and most diverse hTown, the area’s lar waterpark. Sitting on g40 acres, visitors ca lazy river all day or n chill out on the unleash their inner daredevil by trying and the Tornado. out the Stingray Ra cer Where: 21300 Inter state 45 N, Spring, TX 77373 Visit a spray-grou n d The city offers seve ral fun splashpad ar eas so that the kids play and keep cool (and adults) can at the same time. Th ese spray-grounds facilities featuring eq are brightly colored uipment that squirts , sprays, mists and facilitated by a dona shoots water, most tion from H-E-B Gr ocery company.

Where: Blueridge Park (H-E-B) - 5600 Court Road.

Where: Burnett Ba yland Park - 6200 Ch imney Rock.

Where: Cullen Park (H-E-B) - 19008 Sa ums Road.

Where: Hermann Park - 6001 Fannin .

the Houston area for over 85 years

1 Create a plan 2 Recruit and delegate 3 Build a budget 4 Prepare a backup plan 5 Get the word out 6 Set up reunion website 7 Offer something for everyone 8 Nip feuds quickly 9 Share and make memories 10 Maintain the momentum

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DEFENDER | MAY 11 | 2017

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Trump backtracks claim to defund HBCUs Trump noted that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos plans to deliver her President Donald Trump said his first commencement adsupport for historically Black colleges and dress at Bethune-Cookman universities remains “unwavering.”

University, a historically Trump’s latest declaration is a comBlack university founded plete about-face from a statement he made in Daytona Beach, Fla., by last week when he questioned whether civil rights activist Mary a key funding source for HBCUs was McLeod Bethune. constitutional. The off-putting comment Trump also highleft many higher-education officials conlighted his signing of an cerned that the federal program created to executive order earlier help such institutions repair, renovate and this year to move an office rebuild their campuses might be cut. dedicated to HBCUs from On May 6, the president signed the Education Department a $1.1 trillion spending bill to keep the to the White House. government operating through September, Sixty-four presidents after which he declared his administraAfter President Trump’s Feb. meeting with HBCU presidents, many say little has been done. and chancellors of HBCUs tion would “treat provisions that allocate met with Trump during their benefits on the basis of race, ethnicity and “For a president who pledged to reach out to Africanvisit to the White House. Some found the meeting productive gender in a manner consistent with the requirement to afford Americans and other minorities, this statement is stunningly and others questioned its effectiveness. equal protection of the laws” under the due process clause of careless and divisive. We urge him to reconsider immediately,” “I went into [the meeting] with an open mind, said Juliette the Fifth Amendment. The Historically Black College and Uni- the lawmakers said in a statement.

Bell, president of University of Maryland Eastern Shore. “It’s versity Capital Financing Program Account was one of several Trump clarified that the earlier statement spelled out “my programs named in that section of the statement. intention to spend the funds it appropriates, including the funds important for leadership of institutions to be at the table to speak for ourselves in terms of the value of our institutions. I’m In response, Reps. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Cedric for historically Black colleges and universities, consistently cautiously optimistic. The rhetoric is always good to hear but Richmond, D-La., who is chairman of the Black Caucus, with my responsibilities under the Constitution. It does not the proof will be in the action.” said Trump’s statement was “misinformed factually” and not affect my unwavering support for HBCUs and their critical Associated Press contributed to this article. “grounded in any serious constitutional analysis.” educational missions.”

Defender News Services

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A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

health

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Heart attack strikes every 43 seconds

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By JAMISE CROOMS, M.D.

heart attack strikes someone every 43 seconds.

Chances are good it could be a Black woman.

Heart disease, including heart attacks and stroke, is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States and African-American women Jamise Crooms, M.D. have the highest risk. Yet, only 36 percent of African-American women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk. Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 49 percent have heart conditions. But of those, only half are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Timing is everything

Identifying an existing heart condition early allows your doctor to tailor a medical regimen and recommend lifestyle modifications to treat the specific cause. Delaying diagnosis and treatment until the later

stages of heart disease may lead to worse outcomes.

Heart disease narrows or blocks blood vessels, making complications like heart attack and stroke more likely. Women often don’t realize they’re having a heart attack because signs and symptoms may be subtle and mistakenly chalked up to less life-threatening conditions such as the flu, acid reflux or aging. Doing so can have deadly consequences, though, which is why heart disease is often referred to as a silent killer.

Forewarned is forearmed

No matter what age, it’s imperative Black women understand their personal risk factors and manage them.

• Regularly monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

• Manage your weight.

• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut back on sugary drinks and junk food. Watch portions.

• Get moving. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise several times a week, like walking, can help reduce your risks significantly.

Heart attack signs

Here are the signs of a heart attack to watch for.

Be sure to call 911 immediately if you experience one of more of them: • Sudden shortness of breath • Upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around you • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach • Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness • Chest pain or discomfort Schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn your risk of heart disease. If you don’t have a doctor, come see me. And help spread the word to other women about the need for awareness and vigilance.

Dr. Jamise Crooms is an Internal Medicine physician at Kelsey-Seybold’s Tanglewood Clinic.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Crooms, call Kelsey-Seybold’s 24-hour Contact Center at 713-442-0000.

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DEFENDER | MAY 11 | 2017

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opinion

A

Healthcare bill a tiny, petty victory

By DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

fter months of “repeal and replace” rhetoric, Congress has finally passed a pitiful little bill designed to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. To watch Republicans gather in the Rose Garden to “celebrate” the narrow passage of their paltry bill, you would have thought that 45 was about to sign ground-breaking legislation.

Instead, changes to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) must be ironed out between the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is unlikely that the Senate will be as quick to succumb to 45’s pressure in the same way that the House did.

Only 20 Republicans had the decency to oppose the flawed legislation. Meanwhile, groups like the American Medical Association and the AARP have said the legislation is unacceptable. It illustrates the odious nature of the 45 presidency, which is a triumph of predatory capitalism and exploitation.

Poor people lose with this legislation, and so do people with pre-existing medical conditions. Older people, too, will lose, but people who earn more than $200,000 a year (or couples who earn more than $250,000) see their taxes go down by about 3.8 percent. The 45th president says this plan will lower premiums and deductibles, and that those who have pre-existing conditions will not be hurt. The legislation says otherwise.

Democrats were silly, but not wrong, to serenade Republicans with “hey, hey, hey goodbye.” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was colorful, but not incorrect, in telling the Republicans who voted for the legislation will “glow in the dark.” As New York Democrat Louise Slaughter said, some committed “political suicide” by voting for the rancid bill.

Republicans were so desperate for a victory that they didn’t even wait for the Congressional Budget Office to analyze the bill and talk about how much money the bill will cost, and how many people will lose their health insurance under the legislation.

Instead, they crowded on the White House lawn as if they had something to celebrate.

Their gathering was akin to someone giving a party because they took, but did not yet pass, a final exam. But 45 and his cronies were clearly so desper-

ate for any kind of victory that they reveled in their preliminary celebration.

The legislation that passed on Thursday, May 4 is, by most accounts, worse than the legislation that failed weeks ago. The CBO said then that about 24 million people would lose health insurance, and that premiums would be 15 to 20 percent higher in 2018 and 2019.

The nonsense that was passed on May 4 is likely to create consequences that are even more severe.

It is preliminary to wail, moan, and wring hands this early in the game. The Senate has to weigh in, and is already writing its own legislation. Some say they will take House concerns into consideration, but others insist that they will keep their own counsel.

Similarly, it is preliminary for 45 and his henchmen to celebrate something that is only the first step in an arduous process that may take months to complete.

What is worth noting, though, is how pitiful this White House is, how eager they are to celebrate narrow victories, and how desperate they are to scrap President Obama’s important health insurance legacy.

Those smiling people in the Rose Garden were, at best, delusional. They were celebrating the “repeal”

of the Affordable Care Act, and its replacement with a paltry, mean-spirited plan to make health insurance more difficult to attain. It would have been useful if, instead, Republicans had joined Democrats to fix those parts of the Affordable Care Act that can be improved.

Unfortunately, that would mean giving credit to the president whose vision and foresight provided health insurance to millions of Americans.

Thank goodness for a process that sometimes seems cumbersome. Now, the cumbersome process will save us from Republican anti-Obama venom.

These folks were in such a hurry to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act that they ignored cost, preparation and process.

They were so eager for a celebration that they weren’t even clear about what they were celebrating.

They are setting themselves up for 2018, and their small, petty victory may be the origins of their defeat, if only Democrats have the discipline and the energy to keep the pressure up.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, commentator and president emerita of Bennett College for Women.

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MAY 11 | 2017 | DEFENDER

13

Miss Black UT accused of not being Black enough Colorism is not the same as racism. It’s a form of bias that revolves around the shade of Rachael Malonson has always skin color, not a prejudice on struggled with her biracial identity. After actual racial status. being crowned Miss Black University of “The Black community is Texas, social media users attacked her supposed to support each other. for the way she looks.

If you’re Black, you’re Black,” Malonson is not letting it ruin her said Malonson, who graduates moment, though. this month with a degree in “For me, I’ve always had to battle journalism.

‘I’m not Black enough.’ But to not just Social media users quesplace, but win the title is truly rewardtioned Malonson’s background, ing,” said Malonson, who’s from Magnooften saying she was “too lia, near Houston. Malonson said she felt light.” Her father is Black and empowered after winning the pageant on mother is white. Malonson said April 30. Before that, she was uncertain the avalanche of tweets got so of where she fit in. bad she deleted the app from “I remember I felt so insecure her phone. because people didn’t understand who Though some were quick I was by my look,” Malonson told the to criticize, she said several campus student newspaper. “I’m conUT students supported her fident in it now and see it as a unique online. trait where I’m able to teach people that UT senior David Moton, a not every Black person [and] not every pageant organizer who also is mixed person looks the same way.” biracial, said he felt a responsiRachael Malonson came under fire after winning the Miss Black UT pageant, sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Kappa Alpha Psi, a predominantly Fraternity. bility to defend Malonson.

Black fraternity, has hosted the pageant “People were trying to say she for 35 years at the UT. The scholarship ner, Twitter users were quick to criticize Malonson based only has one Black parent, so she isn’t Black,” Moton pageant is open to Black women, including those who are on her appearance, questioning her Black identity. said. “And I was like, ‘That’s me. And I dare someone to biracial.

It quickly escalated to a social media debate on tell me that I’m not Black.’ “ When the organization posted the photo of the wincolorism, a form of discrimination based on skin color.

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DEFENDER | MAY 11 | 2017

sports

Astros off to a hot start

I

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By MAX EDISON Defender

t’s a month into the young MLB season and the Astros are one of baseball’s top teams. They’re currently leading the AL West, five and a half games ahead of the second-place Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and six games ahead of thirdplace Seattle.

Predicted by experts to compete for the AL pennant by most preseason pundits, the team has shown they’re worthy of the praise by coming out strong early in the season.

The Astros are the first team in the AL to reach 20 wins this season, and are tied with the Yankees for the best record in the AL. Houston is 16-5 vs. AL West opponents this season, the best record by any team against its own division. In addition, at 21-10, the Astros have their best 31-game start in franchise history.

When the franchise acquired Carlos Beltran and Josh Reddick as free agents, then traded for Brian McCann and claimed Nori Aoki on waivers, all in one off season, fans felt this could be the beginning of something big. So far the team has lived up to the hype and many of the teams core players have yet to get hot offensively. That being said, they lead the AL in batting average (.278) and in hits (285).

Certainly when you talk Astros offense you’re talking Jose Altuve, who leads the team with a .305 average.

Yuri Gurriel Add to that mix Yuli Gurriel and Brian McCann, both hitting .294, and you get instant productivity.

Though it’s still early the Astros have shown they have the clutch gene, with no deficit being insurmountable. They lead the MLB in comeback wins (13), and have come back to win three games after

Dallas Keuchel

his groove back, winning the AL award for Pitcher of the Month, April.

During the month of April, Keuchel went 5-0 with a complete game and a 1.21 ERA (6ER/44.2IP) in six starts. He allowed only 25 hits and 11 walks, while recording 36 strikeouts in his 44.2 innings pitched. Keuchel led the Major Leagues in wins and innings pitched in the month, while ranking third in the AL in ERA and in opponent batting average (.164).

Keuchel’s start to this season has been one of the best in Astros history, as he became the first pitcher in franchise history to go at least 7.0 innings, while allowing two-or-fewer runs in his first six starts to a season. Additionally, Keuchel’s five wins in April tied the franchise record for the month, also set by Roger Clemens in his Jose Altuve Cy Young season of 2004.

Keuchel, who won the AL Pitcher of the Month three times in 2015 (April, May, August), is the first pitcher in franchise history to win a Pitcher of the Month award four times, surpassing J.R. Richard, who won one award in each season of 1978, 1979 and 1980. Keuchel is now one of four active pitchers to have won four American League Pitcher of the Month Awards, joining Bartolo Colon, Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander.

When you combine Keuchel’s success in April with trailing by five runs. starter Lance McCullers’s 50 strikeouts in April and If there was a question mark about the potential for closer Ken Giles’ eight saves, you can clearly see why success of the 2017 Astros it would the starting pitching. the Astros are riding high.

The number one question: could staff ace Dallas Keuchel The baseball season is a 162-game marathon, but the return to his Cy Young winning form from 2015? The Astros have started well. If they can stay the course there early ballots are in and Keuchel seems to have gotten are good things ahead in their future.

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h.s.zone Bellaire baseball back on track this season within myself and concentrate on pounding the strike zone and it worked.”

Brown’s calm demeanor paid off at the plate in the he pride and tradition of Bellaire High School series opener. baseball is back intact.

“I just tried to do my best and drive the ball,” he said.

A year after missing the playoffs for the first “Try not to do too much and hit the ball hard.” time in an eternity, Bellaire swept its first-round When his prep career is over, Brown will play baseball as best-of-three playoff series over Cypress Creek a position player at the University of Houston.

2-0 by scores of 15-5 and 3-1.

“Hats off to Ronald Brown,” Ozuna said. “What a heck “I couldn’t be prouder of a performance he turned in. of this group. We faced a In his last start against Lamar, lot of adversity this year,” he took a no-hitter into the said Bellaire first-year head fifth inning. His off-speed See what Atascocita player is coach Nick Ozuna. “It feels pitches were better in that impacting girls’ softball good to come through this game. His secondary pitches first series and now we have weren’t quite as sharp today. to get ready for the next round.

“As a team we competed pitch-to-pitch. That’s what “We lost some guys to graduation, but we had some key we stress all the time. Just compete one pitch at a time,” guys that came back with a chip on their shoulder,” Ozuna Ozuna said. said. “The kids understood that what was at stake here was our Bellaire (23-6) will face Katy next in the area round of first core principle. Team comes first. The ‘t’ in team the Region III Class 6A playoffs. stands for tradition.

“We’ve had some good battles “For us not to make the playoffs for the with Katy in the past,” said Ozuna, first time in 34 or 35 years made these guys who served as an assistant coach work a little harder during the summer and and played for former head coach fall to get us back to this point,” Ozuna said.

Rocky Manuel (who still helps “It feels good to be a winner again.” with the team). “We look forward No Bellaire player more typified the to a good week of practice to get team first mantra than senior two-way ready for them.” standout Ronald Brown.

In the 15-5 bi-district win over Cy Creek, Brown slugged a three-run home run Ronald Brown, a two-way standout for Bellaire, will and added a double. To close out the series (3play college baseball at the 1), Brown pitched a complete-game one-hitter.

University of Houston.

“Whatever helps my team win,” said Brown, when asked if he had a preference between playing in the field (first base or third) or pitching.

After laboring through a 25-pitch first inning, Brown settled in and allowed only a single marker in the fourth inning.

Brock Yates and Jake Yudkin provided RBI goundouts to pace the Bellaire offense while Dylan Agnich scored a run on a Cy Creek error.

“I was able to calm down after the first inning and gain more command of my fastball,” Brown said. “I had to stay

T

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

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MAY 11 | 2017 | DEFENDER

15

sportsbriefs Canelo vs. Golovkin set The fight that boxing fans have been dying to see is finally set. Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin, which will unify the middleweight world championship, is scheduled for Sept. 16, Mexican Independence Day weekend, at a site to be determined.

Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs), 26, is also a former twotime junior middleweight world titleholder. Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs), 35, has made 18 title defenses and is coming off a tight decision win against Daniel Jacobs on March 18. “I’m happy to give the fans another great fight, which is the only thing I want to do in my career,” Alvarez said. “The styles are there, they should mesh together and on my part, that’s what you’ll see.”

PVAMU finishes second Hats off to the men’s and women’s track and field teams at Prairie View A&M University. Both teams placed second overall in the 2017 SWAC Track and Field Championships. LaKeydra Mosley, NeKiesha Bailey, Deonca Bookman, and the 4x400 relay team all received gold medals for the women’s team, which finished second with a total point score of 155.5, behind SWAC champion Alabama State, which tallied 183.5 points. On the men’s side, the Panthers’ 149.5 total points was second to Grambling with 150 points. PVAMU ran away with the 4x100-meter relay championship with a time of 39.88 seconds.

Keon Campbell of PVAMU finished the 100-meter dash in 10.21 seconds to win the gold in the event.

PVAMU’s Tristan Ham earned another gold medal, winning the men’s pole vault.

Newcomers in playoffs The high school baseball playoff drought is over at Lamar Consolidated, Dickinson and Spring Westfield. LC had to win its last game of the regular season and hope for Angleton to lose just to get in for the first time since 2012. Dickinson hadn’t reached the postseason in nine years or won a district championship since 1993. The Gators accomplished both in 2017. The last time Westfield reached the playoffs before returning this year was 1998. Most of the Westfield players weren’t even born 19 years ago. Some of the best high school baseball in Texas is played in the greater Houston area. Since 1998 three Houston schools (Bellaire/1999, Elkins/2002, The Woodlands/2006) have claimed mythical national championships. Twelve Houston area schools have won UIL large-school state titles (Class 5A/6A) since 1998. So it stands to reason that those schools have to beat up on somebody. Dickinson advanced to the second round of the playoffs after sweeping past Brazoswood (7-0, 9-7). Lamar Consolidated and Westfield.

Ridge Point thriving Making the jump into the state’s largest school classification, baseball players at Ridge Point High School had a simple motto coming into the season – no matter who the opponent, play their hardest and get the win. The Spartans did just that after splitting the first two games of a first-round best-of-three series with Seven Lakes. With game three in a scoreless tie in the fifth inning, Ridge Point scored 10 runs to secure a 10-0 mercy-rule victory and advance.

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16

DEFENDER | MAY 11 | 2017

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

topevents

THE MAROON & GRAY AFFAIR……..Texas Southern University hosted its and more. Several fine arts and higher education entities were on hand to give youth inaugural Maroon & Gray Affair, the school’s signature fundraising event. Held at information about local museums and colleges. Event coordinators Madelyn Traylor the Marriot Marquis Downtown, the event exceeded all expectations by raising over and Catherine Smith welcomed scores of attendees, including Jah’Ana Domino, $800,000 for student scholarships. Melinda Spaulding and Nephew Tommy of the Ja’Keith Adams, Bertha Ransom, Tonia Hayes, Atong Awan, Journey Shirden, “Steve Harvey Morning Show” served as MCs, while Judy Smith, the politico who Mia Dixon, Angel Dixon, Tasha Oliver, Willie B. Lockett, Eula Williams, Cherinspired the hit series “Scandal,” served as guest speaker. Four TSU students, Brianna Von Grant and many more…..FEED THE HOOD BLOCK PARTY ……...The Batiste, Anthony Collier, Ashtyn Duncan and Kaleb Taylor, National Black United Front (NBUF) hosted the Feed the Hood were recognized for their academic and civic accomplishments.

Block Party at Third Ward’s Malone Park. Members of NBUF and Two alumni, Alaina Benford and Tony Wyllie, were honored, Defender TOP EVENTS several other organizations participated in a community clean-up More photos on defendernetwork.com as well. The SOS Band provided live entertainment for before preparing and serving meals to event attendees. Nonattendees, including U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al perishable food items were given away as well, amid music, face Green, Larry Williams, Andrea Breaux, Mathew Knowles, painting and other activities. Event coordinators Koswa Williams Gerald Smith, Anita Smith, Jolanda Jones and many more ……..URBAN and Malik Muhammad welcomed attendees Secunda Joseph, Skai Lenore, Stevens SPRING KIDS FEST…….. Local CDC Kids Lives Matter hosted the Urban Spring Orozco, Doris Davis, Bridgette Graves, Brilyance Burnett, Juniper Burnett, Kids Fest at the Cuney Homes Apartments. Kids enjoyed musical performances, Folasade Madzimoyo, Destiny Dennis, Nikala Asante, Pat Gurley-Draine, Ken arts and crafts, and prize giveaways, TVs, tablets, clothes, gift cars, children’s books Allen, Shadon Matine, Kareem Matine and more.

Dr. Austin Lane, Loren Lane, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Derrick Mitchell

Andruenee Scott, fashion show models

Non-Conformity, Briana Williams

Judy Smith, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Melinda Spaulding

Myisha Tate, Jennifer Botts

Aaron Brown, Ore’Oluwa Akinbode

Mathew Knowles, Gina Charmaine Avery Knowles

Markevil Jones Jr., Carolyn Walker, Nyreia Walker, Nevaeh Williams

Sita Dixon, Maya Baker, Angela Davis

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