Houston Defender: May 23, 2013

BUSINESS STUDY REVEALS ERRORS ON CONSUMERS’ CREDIT REPORTS P14

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 82 | Number 30

MAY 23, 2013 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA

speaks at Morehouse College

HAUL celebrates

P3 ENTERTAINMENT OPINION

CANDICE GLOVER reflects on her ‘Idol’ win

45 years

P4

H. S. ZONE

H Page 8

MAREON LEWIS coaches Wheatley girls

P13

CHAG’S PLACE

Defender salutes ! s! n o ti Congratula

HISD Class of 2013

Linda Brown and Tandelyn Weaver at Smithsonian/Kingdom Builders Center luncheon

P15

Class of

2Y0earb1oo3k Defender

Houston’s Leading

tion Source Black Informa

ndent

Houston Indepe t School Distric

Graduation time is here and the first HISD class of 2013 yearbook has arrived. The special insert is a joint venture between the Defender and the district. It features seniors from such high schools as Madison, Wheatley and DeBakey. There’s even an autograph section for friends and family.

H INSIDE

Isaiah Sweeney continues tradition The University of Houston has a rich track and field tradition, and sprinter/long jumper Isaiah Sweeney is attempting to add to the legacy.

See why Sweeney’s performance in a recent conference meet was remarkable. Learn about his connection to Olympic greats Carl Lewis and Leroy Burrell.

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

H Page 12

2

DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

Neighborhood development meetings set Defender News Services

H

ouston homeowners who want to know how new redevelopment rules might affect them are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings sponsored by the City of Houston Planning & Development Department.

Recent changes to the city’s development code known as Chapter 42 will allow developers to create additional housing using smaller lots.

City Councilmember Larry Green said it’s important for community members to understand Chapter 42.

“It could be a threat if neighborhood residents do not take advantage of tools in place to

protect themselves,” Green said.

“If residents choose to do nothing and not opt into the program, they can be at risk of developers coming in, buying a couple of lots and putting six to eight town homes next to them in their neighborhoods.”

The community meetings will allow neighborhoods to begin a fairly simple application process, and with 55 percent approval from the community, a lot size area can be established that won’t allow lots to be split below a certain threshold found in the existing community.

Meetings are: Wednesday, May 29, Avenue CDC

Next week:

Understanding Chapter 42

Home Ownership Center, 707 Quitman, 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, May 30, Garden Villa Community Center, 6720 South Haywood Drive, 6-8 p.m.

Monday, June 3, La Fontaine Reception Hall, 7758 West Tidwell, 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, June 6, Freed Community Center, 6818 Shady Villa Lane, 6-8 p.m.

Monday, June 10, Willowridge High School, 16301 Chimney Rock, 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 13, Jefferson Davis High School, 1101 Quitman, 6-8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, 6-8 p.m.

For more information visit houstonplanning.com or call 713-837-7701.

Residents in neighborhoods such as Fifth Ward are encouraged to learn about possible redevelopment changes.

Economic status of Black Texans declines Defender News Services

The economic status of African Americans in Texas has significantly declined during the first decade of the 21st century, according to a policy report released by the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis (IUPRA) at the University of Texas at Austin.

The report, led by research fellow Shetal Vohra-Gupta, raises important questions about several issues, such as racial disparities in economic status of families, including median income and overall poverty rate.

The economic toll is greatest among African-American single mothers.

“These inequalities speak to an economic system that needs to be redefined so that all races have equal opportunity, access and results,” Vohra-Gupta said.

“This begins with introducing policies that tackle quality

of education, pay equality, improved child care services and improved health and mental health services. When single mothers of color face racial disparities, the impact lasts for generations.”

According to the findings: • Among all racial groups in Texas, African-Americans had the lowest median household income (about $29,000 to $36,000).

The figures for whites far exceeded African-Americans and Hispanics, while Asians had the highest median household income levels.

• The most pervasive poverty was experienced among AfricanAmericans living in East Texas, where median incomes are below $25,000. Central Texas, much of South Texas and the counties around Houston and Dallas had, on average, slightly higher median incomes ranging between $25,000 and $32,000 in 2000 and $32,000 to 39,000 in 2010.

• More than 70 percent of African-American female-headed households were in poverty.

• African-Americans’ income growth increased at a much slower rate than the white population’s. And their median household income remained at a lower level than those of Hispanics, whites, Asians and the average of all racial groups.

• African-Americans and Hispanics were highly over¬represented among Texas’ poor population, while whites were highly underrepresented.

The researchers also found that more than 20 percent of African-Americans did not have health insurance in Texas.

King Davis, professor of African and African Diaspora Studies and IUPRA director, said the report addresses the need for antipoverty policies and programs for African-Americans.

“The state’s favorable economic condition continues to bypass these communities and families,” Davis said. “Dr. Gupta’s findings make it clear that unless changes are made soon, the quality of life for Black families will decline for the remainder of the decade.”

localbriefs THE HOMES FOR HEROES ACT introduced

by Houston Congressman Al Green was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 420 to 3. The bill is designed to help prevent low-income veteran families from falling into homelessness as well as provide relief for those currently homeless. This bill moves the special assistant for veterans’ affairs into the Office of the Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development, and among other things, requires an annual report on veterans’ homelessness to be submitted to Congress ……..A PARTNERSHIP between the City of Houston and Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of

..

Public Affairs enables city employees who complete courses offered at the E.B. Cape Center the opportunity to receive credit and enroll at TSU with a reduced course load to help them get a head start in obtaining a masters of public administration degree. The Cape Center serves as the city’s corporate university, and helps employees enhance their skills and job competencies……..

THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC) expressed disappointment in the legislature’s recent passage of HB194, which adds a service disabled veteran category in determining whether a business is a Historically Underutilized Busi-

ness (HUB). TAAACC Chairman Jim Wyatt said HUBs continue to lag behind white, male-owned businesses in state procurement awards. “That shameful record is now in jeopardy of sliding even further, given the distraction of [the] bill,” Wyatt said. “No court has ever held that disabled veterans are denied contracting opportunities as a result of their disability.……..JOE CHANDLER has been named the new principal of Willowridge High School. Chandler first came to Fort Bend ISD in 2009 to serve as the associate principal of Willowridge. In 2011, he was named principal of Garcia Middle School, where he served until his recent appointment.

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

MAY 23 | 2013 | DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

Obama speaks to Morehouse men

D

national

3

parents. And I think it’s fair to say he wasn’t the coolest kid on campus – for the suits he wore, his classmates called him “Tweed.”

But his education at Morehouse helped to forge the intellect, the discipline, the compassion, the soul force that would transform America.”

Defender News Services

uring his commencement address at Atlanta’s Morehouse College, President Barack Obama instructed No time for excuses graduates to set good examples as “Just as Morehouse has taught you to Black men and make a difference expect more of yourselves, inspire those who in their communities. look up to you to expect more of themselves.

Obama, who used humor at We know that too many young men in our times, said he was proud to stand community continue to make bad choices. as an honorary Morehouse man.

And I have to say, growing up, I made quite “I finally made it,” he said. a few myself.

“And I’m mindful of an old say“Sometimes I wrote off my own failings ing: ‘You can always tell a Moreas just another example of the world trying house Man, but you can’t tell him to keep a Black man down. I had a tendency much.’ And that makes my task sometimes to make excuses for me not doing a little more difficult, I suppose. the right thing. But one of the things that all But I think it also reflects the of you have learned over the last four years sense of pride that’s always been is there’s no longer any room for excuses.” part of this school’s tradition.”

Lineage and legacy Obama also congratulated “You now hail from a lineage and the graduates’ family members legacy of immeasurably strong men – men and friends.

President Obama gives words of encouragement during his Morehouse commencement address. who bore tremendous burdens and still laid “This is your day, as well. the stones for the path on which we now walk.

Just think about it; your sons, your whole life, I’ve tried to be for Michelle and my girls You wear the mantle of Frederick Douglass and Booker brothers, your nephews – they spent the last four years what my father was not for my mother and me,” Obama T. Washington, and Ralph Bunche and Langston Hughes, far from home and close to Spelman, and yet they are said. and George Washington Carver and Ralph Abernathy and still here today. So you’ve done something right.”

“I want to break that cycle where a father is not at Thurgood Marshall, and, yes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Obama touched on gay marriage when he told the home, where a father is not helping to raise that son or graduates to be better men. daughter. I want to be a better father, a better husband, a Achieving success “Be the best husband to your wife, or your boybetter man.”

“Success may not come quickly or easily. But if you friend or your partner. Be the best father you can be to Following are excerpts from Obama’s speech: strive to do what’s right, if you work harder and dream your children. Because nothing is more important,” he bigger, if you set an example in your own lives and do Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said. your part to help meet the challenges of our time, then “Dr. King was just 15 years old when he enrolled “I was raised by a heroic single mom [and] wonderI’m confident that, together, we will continue the neverhere at Morehouse. He was an unknown, undersized, ful grandparents… Didn’t know my dad. And so my ending task of perfecting our union.” unassuming young freshman who lived at home with his

Bond stands by Tea Party comments VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 30 - MAY 23, 2013 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager Clyde Jiles Multimedia Manager Tiffany Williams Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

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

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

Defender News Services

Former NAACP Chairman Julian Bond is not backing down from comments he made about the Tea Party.

During an interview with MSNBC, Bond said it was “entirely legitimate” for the Internal Revenue Service to target certain conservative groups, and called the Tea Party the “Taliban wing of American politics.”

He is standing by his remarks, and said of the Tea Party, “Here are a group of people who are admittedly racist, who are overtly political, and therefore worthy of IRS concern.”

The IRS is currently under fire because officials contacted Tea Party and other conservative groups to demand more information before approving the groups’ requests for tax-exempt status. President Obama fired Steven Miller, IRS acting director, over the matter.

Ironically, the IRS audited the NAACP in 2004, and Bond said at the time it was “an attempt to silence the NAACP.” He said now, however, there is not any parallel between the IRS’ latest scandal and the NAACP audit.

Bond said that since his comments about the Tea Party, he has received a slew of angry

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

Continued on page 6

4

DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Candice Glover

talks about winning ‘American Idol’

P

Defender News Services

ersistence paid off for 23-year-old Candice Glover. She auditioned three times before being chosen as a finalist on season 12 of “American Idol,” and now she wears the music competition’s crown.

Glover, a former excursions coordinator from St. Helena Island, S.C., joins Fantasia and Jordin Sparks as the third Black woman to win the coveted title. She edged out fellow female finalist Kree Harrison, 22, from Woodville, Texas.

“I always knew for some reason that it would happen if I kept going,” Glover said. “I even said at some point, ‘American Idol’ obviously doesn’t want me. Why would I go back?’ But I found myself on the website looking at the auditions again, just being determined. I just couldn’t turn away because I knew that if I kept trying that it would happen.”

Glover joins the ranks of other “Idol” winners such as Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood and Scotty McCreery. Here, she talks about the experience.

Q. How does it feel to win?

A. I’m still trying to process it. It feels amazing to finally have gotten to this point after working so hard for so long.

Q. Do you remember even singing your winning song?

A. I don’t remember [Ryan

Seacrest] saying my name. I do remember getting confetti in my mouth while I was singing. I wanted to laugh but I was crying and there was just so much happening in that one moment but it Candice Glover said it “feels amazing” to be chosen the 12th “American Idol.”

felt great.

Q. What was your favorite song you performed?

A. I think it’s pretty obvious that “Lovesong” is probably my favorite one, only because I was so connected to the lyrics and I knew what it felt like. And then for Keith Urban to start getting on his knees and bowing and Randy being here for 12 years and saying it was the best vocals of his whole 12 years on the show… It felt great because I didn’t expect the reception that I got to be so big.

And Mariah threw glitter at me! That was the best moment.

Q. What was it like being on this season with Randy?

A. I told him that I was so glad that I was able to experience this with him. He knows how long I’ve wanted this. I love Randy!

Q. What do you think you learned the most from being on the show?

A. I think I’ve definitely learned how to be confident and how to be myself and to be okay with who I am. In previous seasons, I was doing what I thought America wanted or what the judges or whoever wanted, but this year I just did whatever I wanted to do.

Q. Who is your favorite female artist?

A. Jazmine Sullivan, because she has a unique vocal style.

Q. How has music inspired you?

A. It has taught me to be myself no matter what people think. It’s there to understand me when no one else does.

what’sup WILL SMITH and his son JADEN SMITH reunite for “After Earth,” which opens in theaters on May 31. In the film, a crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father, Cypher, stranded on Earth 1,000 years after events forced humanity’s escape. With his dad injured, Kitai embarks on a perilous journey to signal for help. The two last worked together in the 2006 film “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Jaden Smith, now 14, experienced a noticeable growth spurt during the production of “After Earth.” He grew four inches and gained 20 pounds. He also spent four months training for the physically demanding role, and his exercise regimen included running, swimming and rock-climbing…….. RIHANNA was one of the big winners during the recent Billboard Music Awards.

She won Top Radio Songs Artist, Top R&B Artist,

Top R&B Song (“Diamonds”) and top R&B Album “Unapologetic”). NICKI MINAJ took home awards for Top Rap Artist, Top Streaming Artist and Top Rap Album (“Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded”). PRINCE received the Billboard Icon Award……..BEYONCÉ used her Instagram account to respond to pregnancy rumors. She wrote: “I can’t stop the rumors from starting, and I can’t really change peoples’ minds who believe them, all I can do is sit back and laugh at these low-life people who have nothing better to do than talk about me.” Beyoncé wraps up her European tour on June 1 and kicks off her American tour on June 28 in Los Angeles. She comes to Houston on July 15 for a concert at the Toyota Center……BLAIR UNDERWOOD’S relationship with NBC continues. This fall, he stars as a detective who uses a wheelchair in

“Ironside.” It is a remake of the 1960s drama, though Underwood prefers another term. “I never say the word remake because I think it was made once and done brilliantly,” Underwood said. “This is not a remake – it’s a reimagining.” Underwood played an attorney on NBC’s “L.A. Law” from 1987 to 1994.

His last two shows for the network each aired only one season – “LAX” (2004-2005) and “The Event” (2010-2011)……..Emmy Award-winner LYNN WHITFIELD narrates “Fatal Attraction,” a docuseries which premieres Monday, June 3, at 8 p.m. on TV One. Based on real-life stories, the series looks at “dangerous romances” through first-person interviews and interrogation footage. Each episode opens with a shocking crime and flashes back through reenactments to the beginning of the incident.

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

T:4.79”

defendernetwork.com

MAY 23 | 2013 | DEFENDER

5

Jason George

TV drama

premieres June 3 Defender News Services

T:13”

“Mistresses,” a drama about the scandalous lives of four girlfriends, debuts Monday, June 3, at 9 p.m. on ABC. The female stars are Rochelle Aytes as April Malloy, Alyssa Milano as Savi, Yunjin Kim as Karen Kim and Jes Macallan as Josslyn Carver.

Jason George is Dominic Taylor, a successful attorney and Savi’s coworker.

In the series, the four women find support and guidance from each other as they experience excitement, secrecy and betrayal, all while bound by the complex relationships they’ve created.

Aytes’ character April is a recent widow and mother of a 10-year-old daughter.

After she receives her late husband’s lucrative life insurance check, she begins getting prank phone calls Rochelle Aytes and tells her girlfriends with the Broadway cast of “Aida.” that she’s convinced her Jason George, a native of husband is still alive.

Virginia Beach, Va., received his Aytes is best known for her big break in 1996 when he was break-out role in Tyler Perry’s cast in the daytime drama “Sunset hit, “Madea’s Family Reunion.”

Beach.”

Her TV credits include roles in In the past few years he’s “Desperate Housewives,” “House been a series regular on the ABC of Payne,” “White Collar,” and shows “Off the Map,” “What “NCIS.” She appeared in such About Brian” and “Eli Stone.” films as “White Chicks” and He was a recurring guest star on “Trick ‘R Treat.”

“Grey’s Anatomy.”

A New York native, Aytes’ His film credits include first love was ballet. She appeared “Clockstoppers,” “Three Can Play with Ballet Hispanico in New That Game” and “Barbershop.”

York City and toured nationally

Whether it’s behind the scenes, in the scenes or never before seen, the stories of the African-American experience have enriched all of our lives.

Enjoy hit movies, TV shows, videos, interviews and more all highlighting the African-American experience.

And it’s all in one spot – visit xfinity.com/celebrateblacktv

© 2013 Comcast. All rights reserved.

6

DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

Bond....

Continued from page 3

emails, “including two from self-identified Black people, ‘your worst nightmare,’ one said.

“Many of them suggested I leave the country, reminiscent of the ‘Go back to Africa’ chants racist crowds of whites shouted at Black protestors in my youth.

“One said my advanced age – I am 73 – meant I would not be around to make such mischief much longer, and I should prepare for that quick eventuality.”

Bond offered proof that the Tea Party has had racist and anti-Semitic elements from the beginning.

“One source is a study conducted for the NAACP by the Institute for Research and Education for Human Rights,” he said.

“Their study, called ‘Tea Party Nationalism,’ found ‘Tea Party ranks to be permeated Julian Bond with concerns about race and national identify and other so-called social issues. In these ranks, an abiding obsession with Barack Obama’s birth certificate is often a stand-in for the belief that the first Black president of the United States is not a real American.’

“It says Tea Party organizations have given platforms to anti-Semites, racists and bigots and ‘hard-core white nationalists have been attracted’ to Tea Party protests.”

Bond added that the link between the Tea Party and the Taliban was actually made by a prominent Republican office-holder.

“In 2008, the Washington Post reported that former chairman of the Republican Congressional Committee and present day Congressman Pete Sessions likened the GOP House minority to the Taliban, saying, ‘Insurgency, we understand perhaps a bit more because of the Taliban.’ ” Bond concluded by asking, “What is the lesson here? That the label ‘racist’ has become so toxic that almost everyone rejects it? That the toxicity makes the label unacceptable but its actual practice is still tolerable for many? Or that it is a defense against itself? Or only that while the United States has made much progress in race relations, we still have a long, long way to go?”

AMERICAN★ICONS

defendernetwork.com

a celebration of the people, places and things we love... click on macys.com/icons & be part of our tribute to the American way!

MEMORIAL DAY

SALE 2O%-5O% OFF STOREWIDE

TAKE AN EXTRA 15% OR 1O% OFF† WITH YOUR MACY’S CARD OR PASS †Exclusions apply; see pass.

DON’T MISS SPECTACULAR ALL-DAY SPECIALS THURSDAY, MAY 23

WOW! PASS

EXTRA SAVINGS ON ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL! (EXCEPT SPECIALS & SUPER BUYS)

EXTRA 15% OFF

SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL FOR HIM, HER & KIDS, PLUS FINE & FASHION JEWELRY EXTRA 1O% OFF ALL SALE & CLEARANCE WATCHES, SHOES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, INTIMATES; SUIT SEPARATES & SPORTCOATS FOR HIM AND SELECT HOME ITEMS Excludes: Everyday Values (EDV), specials, super buys, furniture, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, electrics/electronics, cosmetics/fragrances, athletic shoes for him, her & kids, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, special orders, selected licensed depts., special purchases, services.

Exclusions may differ at macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/ coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account.

EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES.

OR TEXT “CPN” TO MACYS 62297

VALID 5/22-5/27/2013

FREE ONLINE SHIPPING EVERY DAY + EXTRA 15% OR 1O% OFF! Free shipping with $99 purchase. Use promo code: SAVE for extra savings; offer valid 5/22-5/27/2013.

Exclusions apply; see macys.com for details.

MEMORIAL DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 5/22-5/27/2013.

OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

46604_N3040097U.indd 1

5/16/13 4:21 PM

defendernetwork.com

MAY 23 | 2013 | DEFENDER

7

8

DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

coverp

Participants in the Houston Area Urban League MIDLITES middle school program embark on a Houston-area college tour.

HA celebrates

Agency strives to empower community

T

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

his June marks a milestone for the Houston Area Urban League. The agency turns 45, and is working to continue its mission of enabling African-Americans and other minorities to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.

HAUL reaches out to area residents of all ages by offering programs ranging from workforce training to housing to health and wellness. It is a United Way agency affiliated with the 103-year-old National Urban League.

For the last five years, HAUL has been led by President and CEO Judson Robinson III, a former Houston City Councilmember. Robinson’s grandfather, Judson Robinson Sr., was a founding member of HAUL. His father, Judson Robinson Jr., was Houston’s first Black councilmember.

Robinson finds his job rewarding.

“I get to watch people get back into the workforce, and gain the skills necessary to acquire a home or start a business,” he said. “I am particularly proud of the dedicated staff that make all this possible. They do it because they care about the community. We’ve been where a lot of our clients are, and we know things can change.”

In a Q&A, Robinson talked about the agency’s successes and challenges.

Defender: What have been HAUL’s greatest accomplishments?

Robinson: HAUL has had many accomplishments over the past 45 years. In recent history it was assisting the survivors of Katrina with their housing needs and assisting folks with job searches after the Enron implosion.

We assisted in our own disaster with Hurricane Ike and have been in the people disaster restoration business for the past several years.

More recently we have returned to the core business models of the National Urban League. Our focus

has been to tie our various services together to ensure we meet the needs of the whole family. When any one member of the family is missing something, it has a tendency to affect the other members of the family.

Defender: How has HAUL stayed abreast of the times?

Robinson: The staff via the usage of technology now works to tie the services together in a more comprehensive fashion. We want to ensure that if a parent comes to us for housing counseling, they become aware that we also can place their spouse in a job training program, get their children involved in our STEM program, help them manage a budget and then sell them a new home when they are ready to become homeowners. The technology helps us to track who we are serving, what their needs are, and develop a pathway to achieve success.

Defender: What is the greatest challenge facing HAUL today?

Robinson: Our challenge is to inform a very broad audience of the work we are doing to help families in need. Thanks to the national partnerships between the public and private sector we are able to do the work that will make a difference in peoples’ lives beyond only talking about it.

We have programs that help young people get back on track and others that help keep them on track toward a successful life. We have programs that help people understand how to work with their money and provide workshops to help start and even grow an existing business. Our award winning education department and our workforce and economic development departments were selected by the National Urban League to participate with signature programs like Project Ready, Urban Youth Empowerment, and the HAUL Entrepreneurship Center.

Defender: What can the community do to help?

Robinson: We need individuals and small businesses to support our programs with their dollars. The money goes right back into the community, helping ensure that it becomes more sustainable.

HAUL President and CEO Judson Robinson III presents a gift to STEM gradua

HAUL hosts annu

The Houston Area Urban League’s 45th an June 22 at the Hilton Americas Hotel. A recep Entertainment will be provided by the Erne theme is “Uplifting the Community is Our Age This year’s honorees are: Darryl King, Whit Thierry, Gerald Hines Corporate Award; Marath Service Award; BMC Software, Marguerite Ros Houston Authority, Heritage Award.

For information visit haul.org.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the

9

page

AUL s 45 years

ates who raised their math scores.

ual gala

nnual Equal Opportunity Day gala is Saturday, ption begins at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. est Walker Band featuring Archie Bell. The ency’s Mission.” tney M. Young Humanitarian Award; Mark hon Oil Company, Quentin Mease Community ss Barnett Leadership Award and Port of

e Houston area for over 80 years

Participants in the NULITES high school program attend a HAUL Young Professionals University session at Texas Southern University.

National Urban League launches jobs program Defender News Services

The National Urban League recently launched an initiative to address the nation’s employment and education crisis.

NUL describes “Jobs Rebuild America: Educate, Employ, Empower” as a solutionsbased, comprehensive approach which combines federal government, business, and nonprofit resources to create economic opportunity in 50 communities across the country through its affiliate network.

The Houston Area Urban League will be one of the affiliates operating the program.

“As America faces the lowest labor force participation rate in almost 35 years, creating jobs and economically viable communities must be a collaborative, tripod effort between the government, corporate and nonprofit sectors,” said Marc H. Morial, NUL Marc Morial president and CEO. “Our Jobs Rebuild America initiative is a leading example that public-private-nonprofit partnerships can drive job creation and the program innovation required to revitalize struggling communities.

“It’s time to shift from the debate about the problem of unemployment to comprehensively doing what is required to solve it, and our affiliates across the country are primed to do just that.”

The program’s community investment

component is a $100 million, five-year multi-platform effort designed to reach jobseekers, vulnerable youth and entrepreneurs.

The initiative will include offerings such as job-training for youth (18-24) and mature workers (55+), college preparation, a jobs network, entrepreneurship support, small business financing and resources, and tax credits, among others.

NUL lists more than 26 Jobs Rebuild America partners, including corporations, foundations, colleges, financial institutions and government agencies.

The grassroots advocacy component of Jobs Rebuild America focuses on federal legislative action to ensure a responsible fiscal plan and support for efforts that spur job creation in urban America.

The initiative was launched in Cleveland, and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland is receiving $950,000 in community investment competitive grants for three signature NUL programs – the Urban Youth Empowerment Program, the Entrepreneurship Center program, and Project Ready: PostSecondary Success Program.

For additional information on Jobs Rebuild America, program components and employment opportunities visit jobsrebuildamerica.org.

10

DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

health

defendernetwork.com

A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance

Obesity weighs heavily on African-American children

By Angelica Higgins, M.D.

C

hildhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking. Today, about 1 in 3 American kids and teens are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher among African-American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40 percent of the children are overweight or obese.

This is a serious problem Dr. Angelica Higgins because children, like adults, are also susceptible to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol levels, asthma and cancer later in life if they do not change their eating habits.

There are also psychological effects. Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression.

Excess weight at young ages has also been linked to higher and earlier death rates in adulthood.

Obesity Drivers

Genetic factors can play a role in how a child’s body metabolizes food.

Some children burn calories at a faster or slower pace than others due to their inherited tendencies. Other factors that may lead to obesity include: • Cultural customs, beliefs and family income.

• Kids have gone from eating one snack a day to three, and 1 in 5 school-age children has up to six snacks a day.

• Portion sizes have exploded and are now two to five times bigger than in years past.

• Children ages 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media, including TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies, and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity.

What Can You Do?

Here are just a few of the options for guiding our kids – and family – toward a healthier lifestyle: • Lead by example. Let your kids see you munching on raw fruits and veggies and drinking water instead of soda.

• Reward with attention, not food.

• Make physical activity fun for the whole family.

• Take your kids grocery shopping with you. It can be a great opportunity to discuss food and nutrition and allow your children to make healthy choices.

Pinpointing Risks

Because prevention is the best solution to obesity, during your child’s well visits your pediatrician will work with you to identify health risks and assess current weight status. Beginning at age 2, your pediatrician will begin calculating your child’s BMI (Body Mass Index). Your pediatrician may: • Ask you questions about your child’s daily diet and does a calorie count based on your report of what your child eats.

• Perform a complete physical examination and order tests such as a blood count, electrolyte tests and a urine test to rule out any potential underlying medical causes.

This information will allow your doctor to determine the best way to respond to an underweight, overweight or obese BMI percentile.

Dr. Higgins is a board-certified pediatrician at KelseySeybold’s Pasadena Clinic. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Higgins, call the 24-hour Kelsey-Seybold Contact Center, 713-442-0000. View her biography at kelsey-seybold.com/bios.

The Nation’s FIRST Accredited Accountable Care Organization Is Right Here in Houston.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic® has been recognized as the nation’s first accredited Accountable Care Organization (ACO) by the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Our recognition as the nation’s

first accredited ACO is a great honor and confirms our commitment to a model of care focused on coordination and quality outcomes. It’s a model of care that is setting the standard here in Houston and across the nation.

More at AccountableCareHouston.com

24-Hour Appointment Scheduling: 713-442-0000 kelsey-seybold.com

ACO_Defenfer-0213-v2.indd 1

2/15/13 11:43 AM

defendernetwork.com

MAY 23 | 2013 | DEFENDER

11

Blacks’ weight linked to fast food proximity

A

Defender News Services

frican-American adults living closer to a fast food restaurant had a higher body mass index (BMI) than those who lived further away from fast food, according to researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This association was particularly strong among those with a lower income.

BMI is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

The new study published online in the American Journal of Public Health indicates

higher BMI associates with residential proximity to a fast food restaurant, and among lower-income African-Americans, the density, or number, of fast food restaurants within two miles of the home.

The study was led by Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Health Disparities Research at MD Anderson.

Data was collected from a large sample of more than 1,400 Black adult participants from the Project CHURCH research study, a collaboration between MD Anderson and Windsor Village United Methodist Church.

“According to prior research, African-Americans, particularly women, have higher rates of obesity than other ethnic groups, and the gap is growing,” Reitzel said.

“The results of this study add to the literature

indicating that a person’s neighborhood environment and the foods that they’re exposed to can contribute to a higher BMI.” Reitzel said it is an important population group for researchers to examine because of the health consequences that are associated with obesity among African-Americans including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

In the study, Reitzel and her team examined two different food environment variables and their associations with BMI: proximity and density of fast food restaurants, which were based on each participant’s geocoded residential address.

The study participants were also broken into two income groups; those making less than $40,000 a year and those making $40,000 or more a year.

The data showed that every additional mile participants’ lived from the closest fast food restaurant was associated with a 2.4 percent lower BMI. “There’s something about living close to a fast food restaurant that’s associated with a higher BMI,” said Reitzel.

She said that there may be some behavioral economics involved in the decision to choose fast food over a healthier choice.

“Fast food is specifically designed to be affordable, appealing and convenient,” she said.

Glasses.

Medicine.

Dentist visits.

Glasses.

Medicine.

Dentist visits.

Glasses.

Medicine.

Dentist visits.

Peace of mind.

Peace Peace of of mind. mind.

earn More this summer.

Begin or finish your higher-educational goals at HCC Central. Affordable academic and workforce courses are available days, evenings and weekends. Distanceeducation courses fit your schedule. Enroll now.

Call HCC Central at 713.718.6000.

$50 or less covers all your children for $50 or less covers all your children for one year.

See covers if you all may qualify. $50 oryear. less one See if youyour maychildren qualify. for Apply online or call 1-877-543-7669. one year.

See if you may qualify.

Apply online or call 1-877-543-7669.

Apply online or call 1-877-543-7669.

Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Family Size (Adults + Kids) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (Adults Family+ Kids) Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Yearly(Adults + Kids) Yearly Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to to Up to Up$ to Up$ to Up $to Up to Up to Up to Up Family Income $ $ $ $ $ Family Income 22,980 $22,980 31,020 $31,020 39,060 $39,060 47,100 $47,100 55,140$55,140 63,180$63,180 71,220 79,260 $ $ Yearly Before Taxes 71,220 79,260 Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Before Taxes Family Income $ 22,980 $31,020 $39,060 $47,100 $55,140 $63,180 $71,220 $79,260 Before Taxes

www.CHIPmedicaid.org | 1-877-KIDS-NOW www.CHIPmedicaid.org | 1-877-KIDS-NOW www.CHIPmedicaid.org | 1-877-KIDS-NOW

Should your Neighborhood Participate?

NEW DEVELOPMENT

RULES COULD AFFECT YOUR COMMUNITY

Recent changes to the City’s development rules will allow houses to be built on smaller lots than are typically found in most suburban style neighborhoods.

Learn how your neighborhood can preserve the existing lot size character and prevent incompatible development.

To find a community meeting near you, go to

REgistER toDAy At CEntRAl.HCCs.EDu Learn More Defender Summer2013_CE May23, July 4.indd 1

4/30/13 4:13 PM

www.HoustonPlanning.com or call 713-837-7701 for more information about Neighborhood Character Preservation tools.

12

DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

sports

defendernetwork.com

Isaiah Sweeney is a UH track and field star.

Isaiah Sweeney

continues UH tradition

By MAX EDISON Defender

T

he mere thought of University of Houston track and field conjures up memories of some of the great greatest athletes the sport has ever seen. Olympians and world record holders such as Carl Lewis and Leroy Burrell immediately come to mind.

Sprinter Isaiah Sweeney is attempting to add to that legacy.

It’s a bit early to install Sweeney into the elite fraternity, but the multi-event phenom is certainly making a case.

Sweeney, a red shirt senior from Ft. Bend Hightower, had the type of results in the recent Conference USA Outdoor Championship Meet that is nothing short of “Lewis-isque.”

He captured first-place gold in the 100 and 200 meters, the long jump and ran the anchor leg on the winning 4x100 meter relay. Just thinking about that much activity over a three-day span is enough to make you exhausted.

Sweeney was a literal one-man team accounting for 32.5 of the Cougars 152.5 points. He posted a personal best in the 100 (10.38) and 200 meters (21.11). His long jump, 24-10.00, was his second-best jump of the year. The 4x100 relay team of Leshon Collins, Isaac Williams, James Arnett and Sweeney, ran a season-best time of 39.86.

The fact that Sweeney was able to compete at all in the C-USA meet is

Sweeney is a champion long jumper and sprinter for UH. He attended Ft. Bend Hightower.

nothing short of remarkable. A dual sport athlete, Sweeney suffered a severe foot injury playing football that threatened to derail his track season before it started.

“I suffered a Lisfranc injury to my foot during football,” Sweeney explained. “That was the same injury that Matt Schaub had a couple of years ago. I was on crutches, barely able to walk. As a result I wasn’t able to run indoors. I’ve been rehabbing most of the spring, hoping to get a chance to run by the end of the season.

That’s how I came into the meet unranked.

“By the middle

of the season I was able to run again and start training,” he continued. “It took me a while to catch up with everybody else. I’ve been training really hard. I still don’t think I’ve peaked yet.”

Sweeney’s injury and the fact that he excels in four events makes his accomplishment even more astounding.

“It does take a physical toll on my body,” he said.

“Normally in most championship meets the load is spread out over three days.

I jump and have prelims in the sprints in the early days. Normally the relays are on the last day. I try to rest, conserve energy whenever I can and stay hydrated.”

Being a four-event performer draws inevitable comparisons to the legend himself, Carl Lewis.

“There’s no question [he] was an inspiration to me,” Sweeney said. “I’ve also been inspired by guys like Michael Johnson and Tyson Gay, but Carl is the guy whose events mirror mine. We have a good relationship. He’s been very encouraging throughout my career, inspiring me to succeed on and off the track and in life.”

It also doesn’t hurt to be coached by former world-record holder and Cougar head track coach Leroy Burrell.

“Coach Burrell has been an outstanding influence and coach for me,” Sweeney said.

“He’s been there to challenge me and at this stage of my career he also has asked me to take on more of a leadership role on the team.”

Next on tap for Sweeney is the NCAA Division I West Region meet in Austin. Top qualifiers in this meet go on to the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships to be held June 5-8 in Eugene, Ore.

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

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone

MAY 23 | 2013 | DEFENDER

13

sportsbriefs Summer Creek boys win The Humble Summer Creek boys’ track and field team won the Class 4A state title with standout sprinter Aaron Sharp leading the way. Sharp won the gold medal in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.19 seconds to hold off runner-up Antwuan Davis of Bastrop (21.22). Sharp also ran the anchor leg on the Bulldogs’ two gold-medal winning relay teams. Arian Hobley, Aaron George, Jared Benford and Sharp combined to win the 4x200 meter relay in a time of one minute, 26.26. Dallas Lincoln settled for the silver medal (1:26.29). Summer Creek claimed the 4A boys’ team championship in the meet’s final event as Sydney Washington, Freddie Hubbard and Xavier Lightener joined Sharp in the 4x400 meter relay. The Bulldogs’ crossed the finish line in three minutes, 15.82 seconds to outlast silver medalist Lancaster (3:15.92). Summer Creek’s 54 points were better than runner-up Fort Bend Marshall (40) and Beaumont Ozen (36).

Softball, baseball update Sisters and track stars Takyera Roberson (left) and Daye Shon Roberson (right) join Wheatley coach Mareon Lewis. Photo by Chris Banks.

Wheatley girls make track & field history

W

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

hen Mareon Lewis took over as head girls’ track and field coach at Wheatley High School, he inherited one competitor.

Standout sprinter Dominique Duncan had departed for Texas A&M and interest in the sport had waned.

“I had to find some bodies so I looked at the other sports teams on campus for some candidates,” Lewis said.

Fortunately, Lewis found two keepers on the Wheatley softball team, including a cornerstone for constructing a state championship track and field team.

Daye Shon Roberson and Chanta Gosby became full-time track competitors. In the interim, Lewis added Ashely Howard, Alia Duncan, Keoni Franks, LaMetra Smith-Thomas and Daye Shon’s younger sister, Takyera Roberson. Lewis took seven competitors to the regional and state meets.

“We were strong in the same events in every meet that we entered,” Lewis said. “I knew that once we got to the district, regional and state meets, we’d have a chance to make some noise.”

How prophetic Lewis turned out to be.

Wheatley’s girls were strong in the 4x100- and 4x400meter relays. Daye Shon Roberson, who has already secured a full track and field scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, is one of the top 400-meter dash competitors in the U.S. She’s also pretty good in the long jump. Takyera Roberson qualified for the regional and state meets in the 200-meter dash.

Over the past three weeks, the Wheatley girls’ track and field team has made history. At the Region III-4A meet held in Huntsville, Wheatley won its first girls’ regional team title

in track. Two weeks later, the Wheatley girls climbed to even greater heights.

With Daye Shon Roberson leading the charge, the Wheatley girls dared to go where no other Lady Wildcats track team had ever gone. Here was the winning formula.

Due to inclement weather in Austin, the state meet at Mike Myers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas, didn’t get underway until after 10 p.m. The meet culminated after 1 a.m.

Wheatley got off to a great start by winning the meet’s first event, the 4x100 meter relay. Howard, Daye Shon Roberson, Duncan and Takyera Roberson combined to cross the finish line in 46.66 seconds and hold off Little Elm (46.78) and Humble Summer Creek (46.80). That was 20 points in the team standings right off the bat for Wheatley.

The Lady Wildcats also fared well in the meet’s final event, the 4x400 meter relay. The Wheatley foursome of Daye Shon Roberson, Gosby, Duncan and Takyera Roberson finished second to Lancaster (3:46.50) with a time of three minutes, 49.55 seconds. That was 16 additional team points for 36.

In between those two events, the Roberson sisters went to work. Daye Shon easily won the 400-meter dash in a time of 54.50 seconds. Those 10 points gave Wheatley 46 team points.

Takyera placed fourth in the 200-meter dash and that added four more points to give Wheatley 50.

Prior to the beginning of the running finals, Daye Shon had finished second in the long jump (18 feet, 11.25 inches) for eight points.

Wheatley finished with 58 team points to match Lancaster and finish with a state co-championship.

“I just wanted there to be one more race so we could have settled it once and for all,” Lewis said.

It looked bleak back in February for defending state Class 5A softball champion Deer Park. Following a weekend tournament in Pearland, the Deer lost three out of six games and appeared to be going nowhere fast. That was the last time Deer Park (35-4) lost and will now face Brazoswood in the Region III-5A championship round for a return trip to the Final Four. Deer Park swept Cinco Ranch while Brazoswood did the same to Bellaire.

In the baseball playoffs, defending state champion Cypress Ranch, Pearland, Jersey Village, Klein Collins and The Woodlands are still alive.

Houston gets 2017 Super Bowl National Football League team owners have awarded Super Bowl LI (51) to Houston following a highly competitive bidding process. The biggest single game in American sports will be played at Reliant Stadium in February 2017. San Francisco will host Super Bowl L in 2016. “I can’t tell you how excited I am for Houston in being selected as the site for the 2017 Super Bowl,” said Houston Texans owner Bob McNair. “This is a worldwide stage that will be constructed in Houston and the world will be watching. It’s an opportunity to showcase our wonderful city, the NFL and the Super Bowl all at the same time.” The last time Houston hosted the Super Bowl was in 2004.

Lady Tigers receive honors The Texas Southern University duo of Thomasina Garza and Rebecca Villarreal topped the list of selections for the 2013 All-SWAC softball teams.

Garza, a sophomore second baseman from Pasadena, was named SWAC Player of the Year, while Villarreal, a senior from Houston, captured Pitcher of the Year honors. In addition, Garza was also named Newcomer of the Year. The SWAC All-Conference teams were selected by league coaches and sports information directors. In addition, TSU’s head coach Worley Barkers was named the leagues’ Coach of the Year after guiding the Lady Tigers to unprecedented heights in his eighth season at the helm of the program. TSU set a new school record in total regular season wins with 33.

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

14

DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

business

Study reveals credit report errors

A

NNPA News Service

Federal Trade Commission study of the U.S. credit reporting industry found that five percent of consumers had errors on one of their three major credit reports that could result in paying more for products such as auto loans and insurance.

“These are eye-opening numbers for American consumers,” said Howard Shelanski, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Economics. “The results of this first-of-its-kind study make it clear that consumers should check their credit reports regularly. If they don’t, they are potentially putting their pocketbooks at risk.”

The study, in which participants were encouraged to use the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) process to resolve any potential credit report errors, also found that: • One in four consumers identified errors on their credit reports that might affect their credit scores; • One in five consumers had an error that was corrected by a credit reporting agency (CRA) after it was disputed, on at least one of their three credit reports; • Four out of five consumers who filed disputes experienced some modification to their credit report; • Slightly more than one in 10 consumers saw a change in their credit score after the CRAs modified errors on their credit report; and • Approximately one in 20 consumers had a maximum score change of more than 25 points and only one in 250 consumers had a maximum score change of more than 100 points.

Other study results can be found in the executive summary of the report. (Visit www.ftc.gov/ opa/2013/02/creditreport.shtm).

“Your credit report has information about your finances and your bill-paying history, so it’s important to make sure it’s accurate,” said Charles Harwood, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“The good news for consumers is that credit reports are free through annualcreditreport.com, and if you find an error, you can work with the credit reporting company to fix it.”

The FTC report is the first major study that looks at all the primary groups that participate in the credit reporting and scoring process: consum-

Your credit report

Credit reporting is a system lenders use to decide whether or not to give you credit or a loan and how much interest they can charge you for it. A credit report contains information on where you work and live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, arrested or filed for bankruptcy.

Credit scores range between 300 and 850, and the higher the number, the better. A score above 700 usually suggests good credit management.

Consumer reporting agencies gather this information and sell it to creditors, employers, insurers and others. The three major national credit bureaus are: • Equifax, 1-800-685-1111; fraud hotline: 1-888-766-0008 • Experian, 1-888-397-3742; fraud hotline: 1-888-397-3742 • TransUnion, 1-800-916-8800; fraud hotline: 1-800-680-7289 You can request a free credit report once a year by visiting annualcreditreport.com/ cra/index.jsp or calling 1-877-322-8228.

Source: usa.gov. ers; lenders/data furnishers (which include creditors, lenders, debt collection agencies, and the court system); the Fair Isaac Corporation, which develops FICO credit scores; and the national credit reporting agencies (CRAs).

It is based on work with 1,001 participants who reviewed 2,968 credit reports with a study associate who helped them identify and correct possible errors on their credit reports.

Consumers in the study were selected to match the demographic and credit score information of the general public, and participants were encouraged to dispute errors that could affect their credit standing. Credit reports with potential errors identified by study participants were sent to Fair Isaac (FICO) for rescoring.

After completing the FCRA dispute process, study participants were provided with new credit reports and credit scores.

The original reports were then compared with the new reports.

If any modifications were made as a result of the disputes, the impact of errors on the consumer’s credit score was determined.

Congress directed the FTC to conduct a study of credit report accuracy and provide interim reports every two years, starting in 2004 and continuing through 2012, with a final report in 2014. The reports are being produced under Section 319 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, or FACT Act.

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

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

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



RFP/Project 13-06-01 – Information Technology Consulting Services to secure highly qualified IT professionals in various disciplines with a proposal deadline of June 12, 2013 at 2 P.M. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be May 30 th, 2013 at 2 P.M. in Room 1E01 at the above stated address.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com

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

MAY 23 | 2013 | DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

chag’splace

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com

were invited to learn about an upcoming Juneteenth THE NOW! YOU KNOW…..The National Kidney celebration. The Smithsonian National Museum of Foundation (NKF) launched its national awareness African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC) initiative, The Now! You Know in Houston at Hotel and the Kingdom Builders’ Center will host “ Granduca recently. The general public, and in Celebrating an American Legacy: many cases those at risk, are often A Conversation About Artists of not aware of the kidney’s role in Join Yvette Chargois African Descent.” This event will keeping the body healthy or the Events of the Week feature Dr. Alvia J. Wardlaw, dangers of kidney disease. Even More photos on defendernetwork.com director/curator at the University those that are directly affected by See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Museum at Texas Southern kidney disease are not aware of with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

University and a member of the its severity. Over the coming five Scholarly Advisory Committee years, this initiative will focus on of NMAAHC and Dr. Tuliza creating a continuum of services Fleming, curator for the National Museum of and programs that promote kidney health. NKF/ African-American History and Culture. It will CEO Bruce Skyer was the featured keynote speaker be held on Tuesday, June 18 from 7:30 p.m. to who shared the latest on awareness, prevention and 9 p.m. at the Kingdom Builder’s Center (KBC) treatment of kidney disease, followed by a lively question and answer exchange. Merele Yarborough and is free and open to the public. To reserve your seat email rsvp@thekbc.com. Delphia spearheaded this ground-breaking effort that was Duckens, associate director for external affairs attended by over 50 guests. Great initiative!..... for NMAAHC and Tandelyn Weaver, executive MEDIA LUNCHEON…..Members of the media

Merele Yarborough and Mark Edwards

Gary Blackshire and Rosalyn Boyd

Delphia Duckens and Dr. Alvia Wardlaw

Halcyon Sutton, L. J. Smith and Wanda Milian

Lambda Zeta Chapter Amicettes Youth

15

director for KBC, are extremely excited about the partnership. Continued success!.....MOTHER/ DAUGHTER LUNCHEON…..The Lambda Zeta Chapter Amicettes Youth Auxiliary hosted their annual mother/daughter luncheon. The youth auxiliary serves young girls ages 9-13 years old and was started by past Amicettes chair Joyce Parker to help defray the costs for the Amicettes to attend the annual Southern Regional Youth Retreat and fund several community service projects. Tiara Benard was crowned Miss Amicettes 2013 during the luncheon. About 115 guests attended, including Mary Breaux Wright, Kay Jones Rosebure, Rauchelle Jones, Dena Downey-Garrett, Daphne Ford, Yolanda Evans, Alpha Henderson and Ruth Doucette.

We salute chapter president Twylah Jenkins, Tunesia Benard, Amicettes youth advisor and the entire membership for a successful event.

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

Lora Clemmons, Paige Cawthon and Janette Cosley

Linda Brown and Tandelyn Weaver

Tunesia Benard, 2013 Miss Amicettes Tiara Benard and Kay Tunesia Benard, De’ Andra Smith and Kay Rosebure (Amicettes photos by Erika Veal) Rosebure

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

16 DEFENDER | MAY 23 | 2013

defendernetwork.com