Houston Defender: June 01, 2017

FEATURE

REPORT FINDS SOUTHERN SCHOOLS BECOMING MORE SEGREGATED P5

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 86 | Number 32

JUNE 1, 2017 |FREE

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NEWSTALK AMAZON brings 2,500 new jobs to Houston

P2 NATIONAL MARCIA FUDGE among Black women calling out DNC

P4 SPORTS KESEAN CARTER brings home state title

P11

TOP EVENTS

Alfred Edmond Jr. and Kimberly Ferguson at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit.

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BLACK EMPOWERMENT H PAGE 6

Ceaser Maldonado HCC, Apple unite

Rachel Lindsay making TV history

Houston Community College is one of the first six community colleges to offer Apple’s latest “App Development with Swift” program that gives developers the freedom to create the next generation of cutting-edge software.

The Texas attorney is the first Black “Bachelorette” on the popular ABC show – a move she doesn’t take lightly. Find out why she’s hoping to show America how love is color blind.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 1 | 2017

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Amazon brings 2,500 new jobs to Houston

HCC offers new program

Defender News Services

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

Houston Community College has partnered with Apple Inc. to open a new iOS Coding and Design school. iOS is an operating system used for mobile devices manufactured by Apple, such as the iPhone and iPad. HCC is one of the first of six community colleges to offer the company’s latest “App Development with Swift” program that gives developers the freedom to create the next generation of cutting-edge software.

The program will be offered on three of HCC’s campuses: Alief, Central and West Loop.

The new curriculum will not only provide modern learning opportunities for students, but according to Apple’s vice president of environment and social initiaMayor Sylvester Turner announcing the partnership with Apple Inc., to open a new iOS tives, Lisa Jackson, the initiative’s goal “is Coding and Design School. to shorten the gap between computer science coding – in fact coding can be looked at as a basic skillset that training for minorities and women throughout is required in the 21st century,” he said. the country and provide the latest app iOS training.”

“HCC is going to take that to the forefront in supporting “Apps did not exist just a couple of years ago,” Jackson the entrepreneurial community here in Houston.” said. “Just the idea that we have something like apps and Mayor Sylvester Turner said Houston is widely known app development now empowering the next generation [is] as a “knowledge capital” because of its concentration on new amazing, because today it is the fastest growing sector in ideas and innovation.

America,” she said.

“With this new curriculum and the opening of HCC’s “For us, community college is all about that first word – Coding and Design school, Houston can and will be one of community – and here at Apple we’re all about diversity and the most aggressive U.S. cities that advances and deploys seeking new app developers every day.”

While the curriculum targets late high school and college new technologies that will shape new businesses and improve our quality of life,” Turner said. students, Jackson says anyone who wants to take the course, Coding and design classes will begin the first week of could. She said it’s perfect for someone “mid-career or lookJune. It will officially become a full degree program in the ing to make a career change, or even someone just looking to fall of this year. learn a new hobby.”

Maldonado added that HCC is working to bring addition HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldonado said the Codal new opportunities to Houston and said to “stay tuned.” ing and Design school will teach a fresh mindset and way of For more information visit www.hccs.edu/coders/ or call critical thinking.

713-718-CODE (2633)

“I can’t think of an industry today that doesn’t need

Amazon is hiring for full-time positions at its new robotics fulfillment center in Houston. When the Houston facility was announced in July 2016, Amazon estimated it would create more than 1,000 full-time positions. Now, the company is seeking to hire more than 2,500 full-time associate roles to be part of the team to launch operations of its newest center in Texas.

Associates at the 855,000-square foot facility will work alongside the robotic technologies to pick, pack and ship smaller-sized customer items, such as books, electronic devices and toys.

Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive hourly wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, performance-based bonuses, 401(k) and company stock awards starting on day one.

The company also offers up to 20 weeks of paid leave and benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families.

Amazon also offers regular fulltime employees programs like Career Choice, where it will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch, more than 9,000 employees are pursuing degrees in such areas as game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology.

Applicants can apply online at http://www.amazon.com/houstonjobs.

localbriefs THE TEXAS HOUSE AND SENATE APPROVED a deal to relax the state’s voter ID requirements. It capped a flurry of late activity that pushed the legislation to the finish line after some state leaders feared its demise and legal consequences from inaction. State Sen. Joan Huffman’s bill, which would soften voter ID requirements once considered the strictest in the nation, responds to court findings that the current law discriminated against Black and Latino voters ……. TENSIONS SOARED IN THE HOUSE on the final day of the Texas Legislative session after a massive protest against the state’s new sanctuary cities law sparked a scuffle between state

representatives. Hundreds of protesters disrupted the lower chamber’s proceedings until they were escorted out. Rep. Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, said he called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on them, a move that enraged a group of Hispanic lawmakers. State Rep. César Blanco, D-El Paso, said Rinaldi approached him and Rep. Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, and said, “I’m glad I just called ICE” to have all these people deported.” Video footage showed legislators shoving each other……..HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S Summer Reading Program is underway, and kids can earn a free book by registering for the program and start earning badges to win prizes such

as free meals to Chipotle and Raising Canes, free tickets to Astros baseball games and Alley Theatre’s “The 39 Steps” play, and more. There are prizes for pre-schoolers to enjoy, including finger puppets, Mario Brothers bibs and Children’s Museum passes. The top two readers at each library location will win a grand prize. Sign up at www.houstonlibrary.org/summer.......METRO IS GIVING STUDENTS FREE RIDES with the Student Summer of Fun Pass. It gives K-12 students free rides on METRORail, local buses and Park & Ride services from June 1 until Sept.1. Apply for the pass at www.

RideMETRO.org.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 1 | 2017

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U.S.briefs

Black women are demanding positions at the Democratic Party’s leadership table.

Black women call out Democratic Party Defender News Services

Nearly 30 Black women, including activists, community leaders, elected officials and others have released an open letter to Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez calling for a meeting to discuss the state of Black women and the party.

Since the election of President Donald Trump, Democrats are working hard to figure out next steps and the future of the party. There is disagreement on what that looks like. Whether it’s doing more to get back white working class votes, galvanize the core base of the party, some combination of the two or none of the above, the path forward remains contentious and unclear.

One thing that is clear, however, is that Black women have long been consistent and loyal to the Democratic Party without getting much in return. In fact, the letter notes that, “Black women voters are the very foundation to a winning coalition,” yet the party does not reciprocate this loyalty in any meaningful way.

Women like activist Tamika Mallory, Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and TV personality Star Jones signed the letter which reads in part, “We have voted and organized our communities with little support or investment from the Democratic Party for voter mobilization efforts.

“We have shown how Black women lead, yet the party’s leadership from Washington to the state parties have few or no Black women in leadership. More and more, Black women are running for office and winning elections — with scant support from Democratic Party infrastructure.”

The letter also called on the DNC to invest in Black women in political leadership, saying, “In recent years, Black women have proven to be the most active voting demographic in the nation. In 2008 and 2012, 70 percent of eligible Black women cast ballots, accounting for the highest voter turnout of any racial or gender group, proving that our voting power can and has determined elections.”

The Democratic Party has a real problem.

Data reveals that Black women voters are the very foundation to a winning coalition, yet some Black voters feel like the Democrats take them for granted. Observers say the party’s foundation has a growing crack and many believe if it is not addressed quickly the party will fall even further behind and ultimately fail in its quest to strengthen its political prospects.

“A closer look at the data shows that in 2012 Barack Obama won re-election by 4.9 million votes,” the letter continued. “Black women cast a total of 11.4 million ballots, providing the margin he needed to win.

“This past November, even with a clear lack of voter mobilization investment and a decrease in overall Black voter turnout, 94 percent of Black women voted to keep this country moving forward by casting ballots for Hillary Clinton. In addition, on November 8 we saw important elected-office gains by Black women despite the otherwise dismal defeat of progressives during the general election.”

In short, the women are asking the party invest in Black women as elected officials and prove its commitment to its most loyal demographic. For without Black women, as the letter stated, “it will prove to be a losing strategy.”

The DNC has not yet issued a response.

WHITE SUPREMACIST DYLANN ROOF asked the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn his conviction and death sentence for killing nine Black worshippers in a racist attack at a Charleston church. The federal judge who presided over Roof’s trial rejected his first appeal, ruling that the conviction and death sentence for the June 2015 massacre at Emanuel AME church should stand. Roof, 23, was sentenced to death earlier this year.

Authorities said he opened fire during a Bible study session. Roof argued that his crime didn’t fit the definition of interstate commerce needed to make a federal case because he bought the gun and bullets in South Carolina and did not travel out of state to the church…….HOUSING SECRETARY BEN CARSON SAID POVERTY is a “state of mind.” The former neurosurgeon said parents need to instill in their children the “mindset of a winner.” “If you take somebody with the wrong mindset,” Carson said, “you can give them everything in the world and they’ll work their way back down to the bottom.”

Carson, who grew up poor in inner-city Detroit with a single mother who had a thirdgrade education, says if people don’t have a defeatist attitude, then there’s hope…….

ASSAULTING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS could be a federal offense if legislation introduced in the House and the Senate passes. Under the Back the Blue Act authored by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in the Senate and Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) in the House, suing cops in federal court for violating the constitutional rights of civilians will be limited. The bill states that individuals who were “engaged in felonies or crimes of violence” would be blocked from receiving damages for any violations that occurred during “any action brought against a judicial officer for an act or omission taken in the judicial capacity of that officer.”

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 32 JUNE 1, 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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JUNE 1 | 2017 | DEFENDER

Southern schools becoming more segregated Defender News Services

LEGAL NOTICE

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A new report has found that public schools in the South have become more racially segregated, 60 years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision that ruled segregated schools unconstitutional.

The report, released by UCLA’s Civil Rights Project and Penn State University’s Center for Education and Civil Rights, found that in 2014, more than one in three Black students in the South (35.8 percent) attended a school that was intensely racially segregated, meaning 90 percent of students were nonwhite. That is a 12.8 percent increase from 23 percent in 1980.

The study examined schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

“It is clear that the region is now moving backward in terms of the progress it made in desegregating schools,” the study’s authors con-

• Educators and communities handling three-way diversity among cluded. need to make a commitment to lasting Blacks, whites and Hispanics.

“In fact, some states have rediversity.

• Fair housing policies to locate cently created overtly racist policy • All school-choice programs need subsidized housing in decent school proposals and rhetoric that simply voluntary goals, policies and practices areas are critical. Local communities ignores the reality: the region’s future that foster diversity and integration. can build on the work being done in depends on developing the talents • School staffs need training in of the people who live there and are New Orleans and Texas.

T:4.79” the fastest-growing segment of the population.”

The study also examined charter schools, which have become an increasingly popular alternative to public schools. Charter school enrollment in the South is only 31 These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon: percent white, while the region is 43 Official End percent white, the report said.

Game # Game Name / Odds $ Close of Validations “One of the things that seems Game Date particularly noteworthy is that in the last decade, enrollment in charter Texas Loteria 8/2/17 1/29/18 $3 1801 schools in the South has increased Overall Odds are 1 in 3.96 substantially and that Black and Latino students have lower exposure $500 Frenzy $5 8/2/17 1/29/18 1826 to white students in charter schools,” Overall Odds are 1 in 4.15 said Erica Frankenberg, a co-author of the report.

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must The authors concluded the report be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and with suggestions to policymakers veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2017 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved. and communities, including: T:9.5”

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DEFENDER | JUNE 1 | 2017

BLACK EMPOWERME W

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

ith the Barack Obama presidency a thing of the past, and the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue constantly at the center of controversy, many Blacks have serious concerns about our current and future well-being. The administration members installed and policies pushed by President Donald Trump, have only exacerbated these fears, and have prompted some to seek old and new methods for affecting positive change Dr. Gerald Horne for Black people in 2017 and beyond.

According to University of Houston history professor Gerald Horne, the path forward is simple, yet not easy.

“How do we bring about change; three words – organize, organize, organize,” said Horne. “Form or join a block association, or student group or tenants’ union or workplace union and push aggressively for better housing, cheaper tuition, better working conditions and higher wages.”

Blacks are trying to find new, effective ways to protest.

For Dr. Merline Pitre, interim dean of Texas Merline Pitre Southern University’s College of Liberal Arts Goodwin. “For there to be a change in 2017 the Black community the September/October 2016 issue of Mother and Behavioral Sciences (COLABS), change inhas to build upon existing foundations, particularly in economics Jones, “In Philadelphia, the number of Black volves tending to several specific areas, the first of and education.” teachers fell 18.5 percent between 2001 and which demands getting more people out to vote.

Goodwin suggests taking a page from Booker T. Washing2012. In Chicago, it dropped 40 percent.” And “One of the ways by which one can change ton’s playbook and investing in vocational skills as Washington the Department of Education’s “The State of government in a democracy is by voting,” said Racial Diversity in the Educator Workforce” re- stated over 100 years ago when he said, “No race can prosper Pitre, “that is, voting people into office who suptill it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in port (July 2016) begins with a quote from then port the interests of Black people.” writing a poem.”

Education Secretary John B. King Jr’s March Pitre added two other suggestions that have “Today’s Black millennials must also understand this 8, 2016 speech at Howard University which already gained local and national traction and and not be seduced by the fast money of sports, entertainstates, “Without question, when the majority of attention, advocating for economic empowerment, and drugs,” added Goodwin, who also suggests Blacks students in public schools are students of color ment in Black communities and becoming and only 18 percent of our teachers are teachers recognize the debt Blacks owe to past generations. more involved in criminal justice reform. The Ron Goodwin “Today’s millennials seem to think Blacks have always of color, we have an urgent need to act.” #BuyBlack and #BankBlack movements have Dr. Anthony Pinn of Rice University holds had access to the state’s flagship universities. The reality continued to grow in impact and participation. is that those doors have not always been open to Blacks. several titles, including professor of HumaniThe monthly Buy Black Marketplace held at the Few students at Texas Southern know the story of Heman ties, professor of Religious Studies, director of Shrine Cultural and Event Center, as well as other Sweatt and the efforts by state officials to keep Blacks out Graduate Studies, founding director of Rice’s similar efforts, and the surge in Blacks opening Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative of the University of Texas,” said Goodwin, who believes accounts at Unity Bank attest to the momentum whether today’s college-bound students attend an HBCU or a Learning, and more. So it is no surprise that he these movements have garnered. predominantly white college, they should recognize the debt believes there is more than one method needed Regarding Blacks’ involvement in criminal to bring about change for Black people in 2017. they owe those who came before. justice reform, Michelle Alexander’s best-selling Goodwin believes one of the best ways to lay a founda“We need robust conversation concerning book “The New Jim Crow,” the advocacy work tion for 2017 change is for Blacks to deemphasize sports and the forms of oppression impacting Black comof Randall Robinson and the Equal Justice Initiaentertainment, and understand Black history and the value of munities,” began Pinn. “And, we then need to tive’s Bryan Stevenson have rallied more troops Dr. Anthony Pinn recognize the need for multiple strategies to ad- hard work and sacrifice. nationally to that critical cause.

“Surely, there are many with the God-given talents to be dress those overlapping forms of oppression. We need to protest Pitre, however, added an additional vehicle for change. publicly with our bodies, privately with our dollars and votes, and a Beyoncé or James Harden. However, to quote Washington, “We must encourage more Blacks to become school teach‘Our greatest danger is that in the great leap from slavery to we need to build solidarity across lines of difference.” ers. There seems to be a decline in the number of Black teachers freedom we may overlook the fact that the masses of us are All agree that change, be it educational, economic, judicial, in the school system, although African Americans and Hispanics to live by the productions of our hands, and fail to keep in or otherwise, won’t happen for Blacks in a day, but rather daily, make up the majority of the student body population in many mind that we shall prosper in proportion as we learn to digwith sustained effort. urban areas.” nify and glorify common labor, and put brains and skill into “Change cannot occur overnight or in a vacuum,” said Statistics seem to bear out Pitre’s concerns. According to the common occupations of life.’”

Prairie View A&M University History Professor Dr. Ronald

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ol will give them g out of high scho in in ly tra b Jo s. se ted ca in order to be tru in for weed-rela ung Blacks need yo l, al 17 t 20 no in t, ks os ac at m r empowering Bl the education th . eur, get common ideas fo history as le ib sful in this world ed es cr cc in su r oyee to entrepren d ou pl an One of the most y ily em ad m re fa om fr d an us s at as st nd ge your ildren, friend complish this. A Iris Royal: Chan is teaching our ch for how best to ac on s s ea ea id id e ith m try. Also, rt. w so po e es ss ar on C and a pa g, though many ’t the only in LL en ad a people. Here ar an re rts nd pe ou ex ar t ty n’t ge lays, and , universi audio visual disp Kofi Taharka: Ca , ps you will discover . tri 17 ld 20 fie g, in , in rs ge ew de one minute true el ining (s enact chan ng at the feet of ng that happened -one life skills tra hi tti how Blacks can si yt on er eev on e at ck lif th ba ay ng g in everyd t is happening erstandi Tracy Dennis: Br the table for wha lack the basics of participation. Und ts le se op it pe d gs g in an un th y, e yo or pl y sim man o is hist just because the cooking, etc.). So or 1,000 years ag ith their heritage elders. r w ou ed w. ct of ro ants of slaves) ne es or on ic m sc vo to di e and are today and Blacks (descend ing back th g in Br th n. t te w es na do pl so m ed re si ss e pa ee still in a “pull yourCale Carter: Th have ceased to be grandmother’s kn I don’t mean that y d m an to , at es ng lv tti se si em d th ne ith to have the desire The lessons I lear can do is start w way. They need of hst nd ig ki po ne ” , es ps ch liv ra ur st s’ ch ot k folk ng, be it a local with me today. self up by your bo still affects Blac g Communal cleani ock party out how slavery bl ab a e tter understandin ve dg be le ha a ow en ve Abayomi Allen: ha kn Th e k. ek m se oc s bl lp e u he th yo is th on ns actio / arning r knew, so orst house sisters’ desperate y until today. Le d er ighbors you neve an av borhood or the w ne ’ sl t rs ee he m ot r, n br w he y ot e do to each some of m n help keep crim where people talk and the context of your block. It ca nd. on ie fr ne a t yo er bu e inside out, in poverty. , ev g er in ng ow actions to liv ical story from th asking a stra can get to kn re or be st ’t hi on an w e u s, rit yo ce w Re How might ed help ur finan Anelle Williams: ’s point of view. and when you ne n on handling yo on io rs at pe uc k ed ac e d Bl or an e , M th n: larships y from Turner, Paul Eleska Aubespi d available scho How would Nat retelling the stor an ? n ed io en at pp uc ha ed t ge ha colle impressed reted w home ownership, stories? It must be they have interp ks often miss. n ac ow Bl r ei at th th ith s ll w te tie s ps ni rtu Owen ring the truth lationshi employment oppo Robeson or Jesse history, of uncove ting impactful re ith ea w Cr g n : io in es at in in on jo sc d -J fa an le a entors ion to make the Kanika Seyoum upon young peop itely by being m personal informat fin d de an , al ity ci students, un so m of m s. ry co t and relevant to e commenta ished system an th bl br ta vi ith children in your es w e, y iv ad al re e al of y. be mad ograms with ing, legalization in the world toda al. History must youth-serving pr d more job train what’s happening ant- people re an in nd ge ta om lle rs ed co de pr ss un e r ar Le s tte on LeNo Bro: then they can be youth. Most pris and women are ore programs for en m k ac Bl e os marijuana and m of th sure at least half ly Black, and I’m

the Houston area for over 85 years

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DEFENDER | JUNE 1 | 2017

entertainment

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Rachel Lindsay

Texas lawyer first Black ‘Bachelorette’

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Defender News Services

fter 33 seasons of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” viewers will finally see a bit more diversity. Rachel Lindsay, a 32-year-old civil litigation attorney from Dallas, is the first AfricanAmerican lead. At 32, she’s also the oldest Bachelorette the series has ever cast.

Lindsay received a law degree from Marquette University in 2011 and is a personal injury lawyer at the Dallas firm Cooper & Scully. Now, the former finalist on the last season of “The Bachelor,” says that she did the show in hopes of finding a partner who was ready to start a family.

Defender: How do you feel about making history as the first African-American “Bachelorette?”

Rachel Lindsay: I know all eyes are on me because I’m something new and different that they haven’t seen in this franchise before. With that, everyone’s going to have an opinion.

There’s going to be a lot of judgment, and I can’t please everyone. Just being the first, setting a standard, you know they’re watching you. Not just as a woman, not just as a Black woman, but as a professional woman, as an older woman. I’m the oldest Bachelorette that there’s been. All eyes are on me for a lot of different reasons. That’s a lot to take in.

Defender: You’ve been pretty clear that this season isn’t about you being Black.

Lindsay: It’s not. I do feel a sense of responsibility to be the first. I’m representing myself as an AfricanAmerican woman and on a platform that hasn’t been done before [but] me being the first, me being Black or anything like that didn’t affect the way that I was on the show.

Defender: A white contestant in a televised Bachelorette mini-preview said, “I’m ready to go Black and I’m never gonna go back.” The comment Rachel Lindsay drew condemnation online, but you said you weren’t offended.

Lindsay: I wasn’t. In fact, I enjoyed how bold he was

Lindsay with the 31 men competing for her affections on the new season of “The Bachelorette.”

and confident to come out onstage and make that comment.

Defender: Are you facing a push to pick a Black man as your winner?

Lindsay: That is a very common question that I get from Black people. Honestly, I don’t want to go into this process with any preconceived notions or any pressures to do something for somebody else. I hate to sound selfish, but it’s my process.

It’s my journey in finding love. And whether that person is Black, white, red, whatever — it’s my journey. I’m not choosing a man for America, I’m choosing a man for me.

Defender: Since the season has already finished taping, did you find that man?

Lindsay: I did find love. I am very so much in love and I am engaged. You’ll have to tune in to see who that person is.

“The Bachelorette” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 1 | 2017

sports

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Astros Community Leaders program expands

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By MAX EDISON Defender

ot only are the Astros the winningest team in Major League Baseball on the diamond, they continue to be winners in the community as well. A sterling example of the team’s commitment is the Community Leaders program.

Developed by Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane, the Community Leaders program seeks to provide the next generation of ballplayers and young athletes with the environment and resources they need to develop physically and mentally.

The Astros accomplish their mission with the support of local corporate entities.

What started as an initiative with a specific goal – to refurbish youth baseball and softball fields – has grown into a city-wide effort to provide youth baseball and softball programs with the resources needed to impact an even greater number of children and neighborhoods.

Baseball and softball teach young players the importance of teamwork, perseverance and commitment, principles that will serve them not only on the field, but throughout their lives.

Recently the Astros program welcomed two new corpoThe Astros Community Leaders program is in collaboration with the City of Houston, local corporations and the Astros Foundation. rate partners: Chienere Energy and LyondellBasell. They join a group that includes Anadarko, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Calpine, Champion Energy, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Lexus/Friedkin, Occidental Petroleum, Nabors and Schlumberger.

“The same values that young people learn playing baseball and softball – teamwork, respect, accountability – are the same values we practice here at Cheniere,” said company President and CEO Jack Fusco.

“The values that Houston’s kids learn on baseball and softball fields will help them later in whatever fields they choose to pursue, and will help to build a better Houston.

So whether it’s building homegrown talent to deliver a future Astros World Series title, or homegrown talent for Houston’s businesses and community, Astros owner Jim Crane developed the program, which has this is a program we are thrilled to The program supports young players throughout the city. (Photos courtesy Houston renovated 20 ballfields.

Astros) support.” for everyone.”

The program has renovated 20 ballfields in eight parks “A key part of our mission is to be The Community Leaders program has grown signifiand currently maintains 23 fields year-round, providing over a responsible, good neighbor in the communities where we cantly since its inception in 2013. Through the help of its 10,000 young athletes with uniforms at no cost. Community operate,” said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell. “For us, corporate partners, the program now impacts thousands of Leaders has now expanded its footprint and scope to include that’s not just investing in our facilities, but investing in our youngsters and their youth baseball and softball leagues established community centers and youth programs throughcommunities as well. throughout the city, providing additional resources, instrucout Greater Houston.

“Games like baseball and softball teach kids the value tional player and coaching clinics, infrastructure enhanceFor its efforts, the Community Leaders program was of good character and teamwork, both of which make our ments, uniforms and equipment. named a 2016 Mayor’s Proud Partner Award winner. company and communities stronger and better. That’s good

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h.s.zone Sprinter Carter lifts The Woodlands to title

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

K

esean Carter may have surprised everyone but himself.

A two-sport star in both football and track at The Woodlands High School, Carter was a starting wide receiver and a pivotal figure in the Highlanders’ march to the Class 6A Division I state title game last December.

Carter saved the most impressive performance of his junior year for the 2017 spring UIL Class 6A state track and field championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.

In back-to-back events beginning with the boys’ 100-meter dash and continuing in the 4X200 meter relay, Carter was simply scintillating.

The top four finishers in the 100-meter dash all hailed from the Gulf Coast region, led by Carter who easily won the race in a time of 10.32 seconds Kesean Carter to take home the gold medal.

Jeffery Hulon Jr. of Beaumont West Brook won the silver medal with a clocking of 10.41 seconds while Walter Boyd of Cy Fair won the bronze medal (10.60). Christopher Rainey of Clear Falls (also 10.60 seconds) settled for fourth place.

What followed came as a surprise to nearly everyone except Carter.

Converse Judson was the favorite to win the Class 6A boys’ 4X200 meter relay with the best qualifying time of just under one minute, 25 seconds.

Yet it was The Woodlands that won gold with a school and Class 6A meet record time of one minute, 23.81 seconds. Ethan Bonner, Jacob Barrett and Jake Lanier gave their anchor man (Carter) a lead he refused to surrender.

“I’m very proud of the way we competed

today,” Carter said. “We came to the Texas Relays just to get the experience of running on this track against quality competition.

“It feels great to put the work in after the Texas Relays and see it pay off. We put it all together during the district, area and regional rounds. We came to state and proved why we should be No. 1,” Carter said. “We continued to improve. That’s all I can say.”

Highlanders head coach Juris Green was ecstatic about his team’s performance.

“We were hoping for a top three finish,” Green said. “Our school record was 1:27.60 so to run a 1:23.81 was a shock. It was a fantastic effort.”

The Woodlands boys’ track team didn’t stop there.

Cecil Gregg placed first in the 6A long jump with a leap of 24 feet, one inch to edge North Shore’s Thomas Davis (24-00.25) and Zachary Johnson of Oak Ridge (23-10.25).

Adrian Piperi won a gold medal in the shot put with a heave of 68-03.75 to outdistance Gabriel Oladipo of Hightower (6507.00) and Cooper Campbell of Seven Lakes (64-01.00). Piperi also claimed the silver medal in the discus (199-09).

William Hunsdale’s fifth-place finish in the 3,200 meter run gave the Highlanders an insurmountable 60 team points midway through the running finals and the eventual Class 6A boys’ team title. George Ranch (54) was the runner-up.

“This is the best high school track and field meet in the country,” Green said. “I didn’t really think we had a chance to win it. I thought we had a chance to finish near the top if we executed to near perfection. We weren’t shell-shocked.

“After Kesean won the 100-meter dash, we started doing the math and that’s when we knew we had a shot at winning this thing,” Green said. “Winning the 4X200 relay put us in a good spot.”

JUNE 1 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs UH Cougars qualify Cameron Burrell, Mario Burke and Amere Lattin punched their tickets to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Burrell will advance to the championships for the third consecutive season and the second straight in the 100-meter dash after finishing fourth a year ago. Burrell had the fastest time in regionals posting a 9.90 in the quarterfinals. Burke booked his second-straight trip to the NCAA in the 100 meters as well. His 10.21 gave him the 12th fastest time and helped him secure the final qualifying position. Lattin qualified in the 400-meter hurdles. He set a new personal best when he crossed the line in 50.59 to finish third in the first heat and earn the automatic qualifying berth.

Tiger trending downward When it rains, it pours and golf legend Tiger Woods can vouch for that. He was recently arrested and charged with a DUI in Jupiter, Fla. Woods had fusion surgery on his back in April, his fourth surgery on his back dating back to the spring of 2014. Despite his ups and downs he reiterates that he has no plans to retire. “I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again,” Woods said. “Presently, I’m not looking ahead…Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals.” Woods is apparently having difficulties adjusting to life away from the bright lights of the PGA tour.

Tomball thrives After qualifying for the 2017 high school baseball playoffs with a third-place finish in District 20-5A, Tomball is flourishing in the postseason once again. Since Doug Rush took over as head coach six years ago, Tomball has amassed a 168-53 overall record, including two state tournament appearances and a 2013 state championship. The 27-10 Cougars disposed of Georgetown, College Station and Cedar Park in its latest playoff run to cruise into the regional semifinals against Port Neches-Groves. It’s the Cougars 27th playoff series under Rush. “For whatever reason, we’ve been able to get hot at the right time of the year just about every season,” Rush said. “One thing about Tomball kids is they generally come together and play as a team.”

Good pitching, outstanding defense and timely hitting have been the keys to postseason success in 2017. Key players include Eric Oakes, Noah Myre, John Breaux, Trevor Thrash, Scott Hermann, Zach Diaz, Jacob Jenkins, Andrew Skivington and Brandon Marshall.

classifieds The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the following service: LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Department, located at 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7279 and/or via The HARRIS CENTER’s website www.mhmraharris.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Tuesday, June 6, 2017. A Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, 2017 @ 10:00 a.m. CST, 9401 Southwest Freeway/See Conference Call Details. The deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Thursday, June 22, 2017.

Responses to the Request for Proposal must be submitted to the Purchasing Department by 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 in a sealed envelope marked "REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL– THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017, “LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE”. Any questions pertaining to this request for proposal should be addressed in writing to Sharon Brauner, Buyer III, via fax (713) 970-7682 or E-mail sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org cc marguarette.washington@theharriscenter.org.

The HARRIS CENTER reserves the rights to reject any and/or all responses to the Request for Proposal deemed to be in its best interests, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents and are not obligated to accept all responses to the Request for Proposal.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 1 | 2017

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

topevents

BLACK ENTERPRISE ENTREPRENEURS SUMMIT……..Black Enterprise robotics, film, photography, computer programming and more. Winning teams garnered Magazine (BE) hosted its annual Entrepreneurs Summit, a three-day event tailored coveted trophies as well as bragging rights in fiercely contested skills competitions. All to both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Held at the Marriott participants left celebrating the power of creativity and innovation. Attendees included Marquis Houston, the event featured local, national and international captains of industry C-STEM Inc. founder Dr. Reagan Flowers, Lereca Monik, Trisha Frederick, Vince sharing their insights during workshops, plenaries and one-on-one sessions. The summit Hamilton, Dr. Valencia Hall, Christopher Mayes, Wilbur Garcia, Haven Abraham, was officially culminated with an awards dinner, though the next day BE sponsored Eriana Washington, Rennette Lucien and more.….. ATLF 2017 SCHOLARSHIP ABC’s “Shark Tank” Diversity Tour Casting Call, looking for entrepreneurs of color DINNER ……..The Achievement Through Leadership Foundation (ATLF), a nonwilling and able to appear on the hit show. Attendees included profit dedicated to supporting youth in pursuit of higher education BE SVP/editor-at-large Alfred Edmond Jr., presenters Ramon Defender TOP EVENTS and leadership development, held its annual scholarship dinner at Ray and Esosa Ighodaro, Kevin Cooper, Courtney Johnson Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant near the Galleria. Fourteen HoustonMore photos on defendernetwork.com Rose, Teeba Rose, Valencia Powell, Jennifer Harris, Callicia area high school seniors and university undergraduates received Johnson, Deidre Mathis, Joy Diggs, Toussaint Frazier and scholarships. Dr. Yvette Pearson Weatherton, the new associate more.……..2017 NATIONAL C-STEM CHALLENGE…….. The local non-profit dean of engineering at Rice University, provided keynote remarks. ATLF board chairman Fredric Navarre welcomed attendees including Annette Moore, Kimberly Joseph, C-STEM Inc. hosted the 2017 National C-STEM Challenge, a competition of STEM skills for youth from elementary to high school. The Health Museum was the place where Cindy George, Georgia Provost, and scholarship recipients Raven Huery, Tori youth squads from across the city, state and country showed off their skills in debate, Livingston, Phillip Prater, Markayla Eakins, Colen James and others.

Nia Perry, Esosa Ighodaro, Misty Starks, Shannette Prince

Dr. Reagan Flowers, Trisha Frederick

Alfred Edmond Jr., Kimberly Ferguson

Alesha Sharpe, Christopher Mayes, Leonard August

Will Walker, Marcolin Eakins, Fredric Navarre, Adraon Greene

Phillip Prater, Djuna Prater, Colen James

Kevin Aigbedron, Koereyelle DuBose, Ephraim Egbele

Marcellus Johnson, Jade Autry, Robert Hooks

Amber Weatherton, Dr. Yvette Pearson Weatherton

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