NATIONAL
BLACK POLICY MAKERS SET FOR HISTORIC GARY CONVENTION P3
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ENTERTAINMENT OPRAH WINFREY unveils June line-up
P5 SPORTS JADEVEON CLOWNEY ready to play for Texans
MENTAL HEALTH OF BLACK YOUTH H PAGE 6
Rep. Senfronia Thompson
Bishop James Dixon, pastor of Community of Faith Church, is collaborating with Dr. Ed Young, pastor of Second Baptist Church, to launch a special program. See what the two churches are doing to promote brighter futures for Acres Homes students.
Houston State Rep. Senfronia Thompson is recognizing an effort by teen Jasmine Geyen to help constituents affected by the April flooding in the Greenspoint area. Learn about “Hugs 4 Houston” and how it's helping young victims and their parents.
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HS ZONE BLAKE MARTIN scores for Deer Park High
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Bishop James Dixon
helps students
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TOP EVENTS
recognizes effort
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Patricia Hogan Williams, former Mayor Lee P. Brown and Tammie Lang Campbell at Brown’s book signing
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DEFENDER | JUNE 2 | 2016
newstalk
Criminal court reform starts controversy
A lawsuit filed by the national organization Equal Justice Under Law against Harris County has generated a confrontation between a state and county elected official. The court action claims that the current bail system keeps poor people who have not yet been charged with crimes sitting in jail because they can’t afford to be released. The group contends the system is unconstitutional because the bail magistrate sticks to a strict bail schedule almost never considering State Sen. Rodney Ellis Commissioner Steve Radack poor people’s ability to pay as required by the law. Radack added that Ellis’ statement about the Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis expressed supcounty’s incarceration rate was incorrect. “I think its port of the suit calling the system a “modern-day time that Mr. Ellis either shuts up or states the right debtors’ prison.” facts,” Radack said. In response to Ellis’ “I'm not going comments, Harris County to shut up about our “I'm not going to shut up Commissioner Steve broken criminal justice about our broken criminal Radack during a comsystem and people dying justice system and people missioner’s meeting read in jail,” Ellis responded. part of Ellis’ statement “I'm going to speak up dying in jail.” aloud stating, “Sen. Ellis for the people and the recently said that ‘Harris most vulnerable in our County’s over-reliance on the inefficient and ineffecsociety, just as I've always done.” tive use of mass incarceration as a means of dealing Seventeen lawsuits have been filed against juriswith low-level and non-violent offenses continues to dictions across the country and Equal Justice Under result in some of the highest jailing and incarceration Law has won eight times and never lost. Other cases rates in the U.S. and the world.’” are still pending.
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Texas child support overhaul doubles By TERRI LANGFORD The Texas Tribune
The state's sidelined child support overhaul is now back on track, but its cost has more than doubled to $420 million and is now two years behind schedule. "It's going to allow us to be the national leader in child support delivery," said Steve Pier, the attorney general's director of intergovernmental relations. In 2007 under then-Attorney General Greg Abbott’s leadership, the AG’s office launched a $202 million plan to upgrade the system, including a $70 million contract with Accenture to design, develop and implement the project. Child support is a shared responsibility of states and the federal government, so the federal government agreed to pay two-thirds of the project’s costs. Last year, the federal U.S. Office of Child Support Enforcement halted payments to Texas for the nearly decade-old project after the AG's office and its partners — Accenture and the Texas Department of Information Resources — discovered more work was needed to upgrade the aging system that hosts the state's child support cases. Earlier this month, the federal agency announced it had unfrozen those funds after the Texas AG's office addressed its concerns. Most of the cost increases are attributed to the servers needed to simultaneously host both the old and new systems as the information is transferred from one to the other. Each month, another 5,000 new child support cases are added to the agency's workload.
localbriefs MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER’S first budget received a unanimous vote in record time. In contrast to budget discussions of years past that lasted into the wee hours of the next morning, the vote for the new budget came with little fanfare and nearly a month ahead of the normal schedule. “Passage of this budget sends a strong message to the credit rating agencies about the importance we are placing on city finances,” Turner said. “This was accomplished not by putting hundreds of hard-working city employees in the unemployment line or by cutting critical services that Houstonians rely on and deserve. Instead, it was done via shared sacrifice and
laser fine attention to fiscal management,” he said……..ADDRESSING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said his office has identified areas of potential for reforming bonding practices and pretrial risk assessments. As it stands, a defendant with a low level non-violent charge who cannot afford bond can be remanded to the custody of the Sheriff’s Department, while a violent offender with the means to pay their bond can be released into the community. “I am hopeful that the courts in working with the Coordinating Council, foundations, and community leaders, will identify and respond to opportunities for
permanent reform,” Hickman said……. LOCAL BLACK MINISTERS are seeking answers after the fatal stabbing of 11-year-old Josue Flores. The ministers aren’t satisfied with the way the case has been handled, particularly the wrongful arrest of Che Calhoun, who was accused of murdering the 11-year-old only to have the charge dismissed the next day. Calhoun had an iron-clad alibi. Police blamed what happened on a witness who misidentified Calhoun in a lineup. But the ministers fear the episode has further eroded trust in the police conducting the high-profile investigation. Police are still searching for Josue’s killer.
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U.S.briefs A NORTH CAROLINA BILL could force several HBCUs to close. The North Carolina State Senate introduced a bill that could bankrupt five of the state’s universities. Three of them – Elizabeth City State University, Winston-Salem State University, and Fayetteville State University – are Black and could be impacted adversely by Senate Bill 873. The “Access to Affordable College Education Act” proposes to change the names of those schools and cut the tuition down to $500 per semester, which would cause the state to lose millions in revenue and most likely force those universities to cut major programs. The end result? The institutions could possibly be transitioned into community colleges, at best…….. SOME CHARLESTON, S.C., CHURCH FAMILIES, whose loved ones were murdered during the 2015 massacre at St. Emanuel AME Church, support the death penalty for Dylan Roof. The Justice Department is seeking the death penalty against Roof, the white man charged with killing nine Black parishioners. The shooting contributed to a national conversation about race relations and ultimately led to the removal of a Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse…….. BILL O’REILLY IS BLAMING a crime spike on Black Lives Matter. The Fox News host said the movement is “killing Americans” because police are being more passive since the Ferguson situation and the Black Lives Matter protests. TV One News host, Roland Martin quickly responded, saying, “This reminds me of folks blaming women for rape because they actually wear a skirt. Bill O’Reilly won’t call cops out for not doing their job. What he is going to do is call out Black Lives Matter, the group that is actually holding cops accountable for not doing their job.” Martin added that the movement has “forced a level of accountability in America dealing with police that we have never seen.”
VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 31 June 2, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby
Editors Aswad Walker Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers ReShonda Billingsley Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon 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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Black policy makers call historic convention being key to a Black agenda. Organizers invited all presidential candidates to lack lawmakers seek speak. Also invited are Presto honor history ident Obama and First Lady while making some Michelle Obama, national of their own by gathcivil rights leaders, and ering in Gary, Ind. from June Black Lives Matter organiz9-12 for what is being called ers. Whether they attend is the National Black Political another matter. Convention. With the U. S. presiThe purpose is to produce a dential and congressional Black agenda focused on equalcampaigns in full throttle, ity and justice that participants the National Policy Allihope will guide Democratic and ance, a coalition of 16,000 Republican presidential candiBlack elected and appointed dates’ policies and positions. officials and more than a The two looming quesmillion Black policy makers tions, however, are what will organized the convention, this agenda entail, and which, Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford along with The Joint Center if any, prominent Black voices for Political and Economic Studies, in a place of will attend? great political significance to Black America. In 1972, Gary hosted a similar gathering “The Gary Convention [of 1972] was perunder then Mayor Richard Hatcher. Though haps the single most important political event Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford, founding cofor Black America held during the last century,” chair of the National Policy Alliance, admits said Ford, Tuskegee’s first Black mayor. much has changed since then, many issues “With that Gary Convention came the inspiremain. ration and motivation that led to the election of “The challenges facing the African-American community today are even greater than they more Black elected officials than any time since reconstruction. I am a product of 1972.” were 44 years ago,” Ford said. Ford said those unable to attend will be Ford listed issues including “high unemable to participate in the convention via live ployment, crime in our communities, the need streaming. for better education, quality, affordable and “It will be at Gary that we will return to accessible health care, and the need to develop shape a 2016 national agenda,” Ford said. our infrastructures in the Black community” as By TRICE EDNEY WIRE NEWS
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Cosby’s lawyers give preview of their defense A trial date has yet to be set, but Bill Cosby’s lawyers gave an outline of their defense during a recent preliminary hearing in a Norristown, Pa. courthouse. Cosby has been ordered to stand trial on sexual assault charges brought against him by Andrea Constand stemming from a 2004 incident in his home near Philadelphia. His attorneys attacked the consistency of Constand’s statements to police, and said she consented to the sex acts. Constand contends that on the night in question, Cosby encouraged her to take three blue pills “to take the edge off” and wash them down with wine he poured. She said 20 minutes later,
her legs turned to “jelly” and everything was “blurry and dizzy.” Cosby’s defense lawyer Brian McMonagle argued that Constand took the pills voluntarily and was “incapacitated by her own hand, by her own drinking.” Dozens of other women have come forward since 2005 and accused Cosby of molesting them. Some of the alleged incidents date as far back as 1969. Cosby has never been charged in any criminal case regarding any of the allegations, and has repeatedly denied through attorneys that any of the accusations are true.
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DEFENDER | JUNE 2 | 2016
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Historic church collaboration helps students By Aswad Walker Defender
Two of Houston’s largest churches – one predominantly Black, the other predominantly white – are joining in an historic collaboration to create promising futures for students of three elementary schools located in Acres Homes. Bishop James Dixon, pastor of Community of Faith Church, and Dr. Ed Young, pastor of Second Baptist Church, officially launched the Loving Kids program, during a “visioncasting” service held at Dixon’s church. The program will adopt two HISD elementary schools, Highland Heights and Osborne, and Goodman Elementary of Aldine ISD. The adoption, which will begin this fall, will entail providing tutoring, mentors, teacher assistants, and other services designed to offer the care that Dixon and Young believe will create promising futures for a generation of children. “We recognize kids need a strong educational foundation at the earliest stages of life for success,” Dixon
Bishop James Dixon
said. “If they don’t start with that, they’re more likely to end up with negative lifestyles and outcomes.” “[Participation in the new program] is our way of showing that every child deserves the best support and opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential,” Young said. “Together we will create a promising tomorrow for this generation as every child deserves an exciting future.” According to Dixon, Galilee Baptist Church along with its pastor, Edwin Davis, is also part of this joint effort.
Dr. Ed Young
“This is a tale of two leading churches along with Galilee Baptist Church, partnering to help schools in the Acres Homes area and impact the lives of children in a well-rounded way to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed,” Dixon said. “This program will focus on the needs of these children as outlined by those best capable of identifying the issues – the principals of the three elementary schools we’ll be working in initially,” said Jodie Jiles, chairman of Loving Kids.
“We will begin by offering tutoring, mentoring, and assistants, but we will eventually also offer nutritional services, vocational
training, and parenting programs.” “This allowed us to find the ways we can most effectively collaborate with additional partners to bring the best services possible to these students,” said Jiles. Besides the uncommon occasion of large Black and white churches partnering to work in urban areas, the main architects behind Loving Kids believe they will make history by exposing students to worlds outside of their own neighborhoods, attracting additional community partners and providing a program with staying power. “With Loving Kids, we want to make sure our
kids have the opportunity to become above-average scholars, learning at or above grade level, so they start off on track to positive outcomes,” Dixon said. “Often, these kids are surrounded by images of hopelessness. We want them to have hope in their possibilities and futures, to see Houston and the world as their playing field, and to discover greatness in themselves.”
Johnny Hollins – JG Hollins Builders & Justin Vickrey – Vice President, Allegiance Bank
classifieds Notice of Proposed Goal for the Participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in
Federal Transit Administration Assisted Contracts
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As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County has determined a proposed overall goal of 17% for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE’s) in its FY17 – FY19 contracts which are funded by U.S. Department of Transportation. The proposed goal and its rationale are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Headquarters, 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002; in Room 2023. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County and the Federal Transit Administration will accept written comments on the proposed goal through July 30, 2016.
A PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT. A FOUNDATION OF TRUST.
At Allegiance Bank, we don’t just serve our customers, we’re completely dedicated to their success. So it’s only natural homebuilder Johnny Hollins banks with us. Says Johnny, “Allegiance is more than a bank to your business. It’s a partner, too.” If you’re looking for a bank that feels like home, give Allegiance a call.
Written comments may be directed to Metropolitan Transit Authority Office of Small Business, Attention: Karen Hudson, P.O. Box 61429, Houston, Texas 77208-1429 or Federal Transit Administration: Attention: Robert C. Patrick, Regional Administrator, Region VI, Federal Transit Administration, 819 Taylor Street, Room 14A02, Fort Worth, TX 76102
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entertainment
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OWN unveils line-up for June OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network) will air new and continuing series this June, including one show which features a special appearance by Winfrey. Highlights include: “Livin’ Lozada” – The continuing series airs Saturdays at 8 p.m. in June, and follows the lives of reality star Evelyn Lozada, of “Basketball Wives” fame and her 22-year-old daughter Shaniece Hairston. After leaving Miami for a fresh start in Los Angeles, Evelyn began a new chapter in her life, hoping to break free from her “bad girl” image to begin again with her fiancé, professional baseball player, Carl Crawford, and their toddler son, Leo. Meanwhile, Shaniece is embarking on her own career path, working to step out from her mother’s shadow and make a name for herself, while also relying on the advice, comfort and companionship her sometimes-meddling mother can give. “Greenleaf” – Lynn Whitfield and David Keith are among the stars of “Greenleaf.” The two-night series premiere is Tuesday, June 21 at 9 p.m. and Wednesday, June 22 at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. The series will regularly air on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. The new drama centers on the journey of estranged daughter and disillusioned preacher Grace “Gigi” Greenleaf, played by Merle Dandridge. As she reenters the world of Calvary Fellowship World Ministries, the Memphis megachurch run by her powerful parents Bishop James Greenleaf (Keith) and Lady Mae Greenleaf (Whitfield), it becomes evident that things are not as virtuous as they seem and that the family’s outward display of faith hides sin and misdeeds. When Grace reconnects with her Aunt Mavis (guest star Winfrey), she receives some shocking information about the Greenleaf family. “The Haves and the Have Nots” – The Tyler Perry production returns with ongoing drama between the wealthy Cryer and Harrington families and the poor Young family. The season premiere is Tuesday, June 21, at 8 p.m.
In “Greenleaf,” Oprah Winfrey portrays Mavis McCready and Lynn Whitfield portrays Lady Mae Greenleaf.
“Livin’ Lozada” features former “Basketball Wives” star Evelyn Lozada, her daughter Shaniece Hairston and son Leo Crawford.
Jim Cryer (John Schneider), his wife Katheryn (Renee Lawless) and their wealthy friends, David (Peter Parros) and Veronica Harrington (Angela Robinson), must deal with hard lessons from past actions. Cryer is rendered powerless for the first time in his life as the charges against him mount. Candace (Tika Sumpter) is haunted by a horrific crime that she and Jeffery (Gavin Houston) have committed and will stop at nothing to cover up the secret. Meanwhile, Hanna (Crystal Fox) continues to be a moral pillar for her family and coworkers.
“The Haves and the Have Nots” includes an ensemble cast and is written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry.
what’sup WHOOPI GOLDBERG signed a new deal with “The View.” The comedian has reportedly signed on to return to hosting duties for the daytime talk show – but for half her previous salary. Goldberg’s four-year, $5 million-ayear contract expires this year. She reportedly signed a new one-season deal to stay on, but for $2.5 million. A source close to the show says the plan is to have Goldberg remain on her four-day work schedule, leaving the live Friday broadcasts for Joy Behar to continue moderating. “The View” has also reportedly signed up former CNN legal contributor
Sunny Hostin for season 20……..TAMAR BRAXTON has decided to utilize one of her other television platforms to tell her side of the story regarding her dramatic firing from the popular talk show, “The Real.” Braxton will address her departure during a special episode of her reality show, “Braxton Family Values.” It is unclear how deeply the singer will delve into her apparent issues with producers and the network, but is expected to drop a few bombs. ……..A RACIST CHINESE AD has gone viral. A video promoting a Chinese detergent brand brought racism into what was intended to be
a “humorous” skit. In the ad, an Asian woman in the laundry room catches the eye of a Black male painter/construction worker working in the house. He makes his admiration known and she coyly beckons him over. When what seems like her pulling him in for a kiss, she pops a detergent pod into his mouth and shoves him into the washing machine, sits on it so he can’t come out and waits for the suds to take effect. The “clean” man that comes out after the rinse cycle is the total opposite of the race and structure that went in. Social media lit up with people denouncing the ad.
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DEFENDER | JUNE 2 | 2016
cente
Black children face emotional challen By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender
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hile it’s nice to assume that childhood and adolescence are times of carefree bliss, and only adults experience mental illness, this is not always true. Mental illness isn’t exclusive to adults; children and adolescents can experience challenges too. Mental illness is also a topic that is often considered taboo in the Black community, but it is a reality. Dr. Toi Harris, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and associate provost of Baylor College of Medicine, said the most common mental health challenges facing AfricanAmerican children and adolescents today are anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide (particularly among adolescent Black men) and many disruptive behavioral disorders such as attention deficiency and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “The majority of these mental disorders are developed through social determinants, much like living in poverty and frequent exposure to violence, homelessness, and placements in foster care and the juvenile justice system,” Harris said. “Unfortunately, these factors are disproportionately higher in AfricanAmerican communities.” Dr. Harris said that because of common attitudes and certain beliefs within the African-American community, Black children and adolescents are at a disadvantage and can sometimes experience more severe forms of mental health conditions due to unmet needs and other barriers. “Common attitudes such as denial, feelings of shame and embarrassment, and unwillingness to seek help, prevent African-
American parents from seeking help for their children,” Harris said. “Many people of color have negative feelings about mental health disorders, mostly because of feelings of hopelessness, distrust and doubt in the health care system. Lack of knowledge of the problem, unawareness of the kinds of treatment for the disorder plays a significant role as well.” In addition to personal attitudes, Dr. Toi Harris Harris added that many of these feelings stem from cultural stigmas within the AfricanAmerican community tied to mental health. According to Mental Health America, historical adversity, which includes slavery, sharecropping and race-based exclusion from health, educational, social and economic resources, translates into socioeconomic disparities experienced by African-Americans today. Harris said because of this, racism continues to have an impact on the mental health of African-Americans. Negative stereotypes and attitudes of rejection have decreased, but continue to occur with measurable, unfortunate consequences. Historical instances of negative treatment towards T-Americans have led to a mistrust of authorities, many of whom are not seen as having the best interests of African-Amer-
icans in mind. This is why many African-Americans seek help through trusted sources, such as the Black church. “For a lot of AfricanAmericans, outside of family support, spiritual beliefs tend to be a great source of strength, understanding and support,” Harris said. “However, though spiritual support can help with mental illness, it should not be the only option parents pursue for their children’s well-being. Treatment and prescribed medication is essential in most cases in aiding the illness.” Personal barriers are not the only roadblocks preventing African-Americans from
seeking help. According to the American Psychological Association, African-Americans have limited access to both mental and behavioral health care services at lower rates than their Caucasian counterparts, thus resulting in a large disparity. The disparities in mental health care are made worse by the fact that many of the identifiable risk factors for poor mental health, including poverty, food insecurity, experiences of discrimination, and exposure to violence, disproportionately affect minority children. “African-American children and adolescents experiencing homelessness and or living in poverty are not only at a greater risk of developing a mental illness, but are at a disadvantage when it comes to the lack of resources, misdiagnoses, and Blacks being
uninsured,” Harris said. “With the recent Aff that will change. But ex illness vary across cultu need for improved cultu competence in the health health workforce.” Harris said one way understanding of mental and African-Americans nerships with mental hea schools, community lead juvenile justice entities developed. “The Hogg Foundat is one of a few organiza of this issue,” Harris sai awarded 10 African-Am organizations with grant greater Houston area) in mental health stigma in communities. “Due to the fact tha icans turn to churches fo Foundation’s goal is to i and influence perception recovery, and wellness i communities.” “I am actually on th for one of the Hogg Fou ents, Missouri City Bapt said. “Baylor College of tants and NAMI’s [Natio Mental Health] Sharing assisted with this projec Harris added that sc tions and clinics are imp providing preventative s pursuing careers in men fessions can increase the American providers and sensitivity in the commu
10 Things about Mental Health Disparities 1. African-American adolescents, particularly young men, are more likely to be referred to the juvenile justice system rather than the mental health treatment system. 2. When mental health issues are identified, AfricanAmerican youths tend to be labeled with more severe diagnoses and are hospitalized at rates two to three times that of white youths, suggesting a lack of preventive and early intervention services. 3. African-Americans use mental health services at about one-half the rate of Caucasian Americans. 4. While Blacks are less likely than whites to die from suicide as teenagers, Black teenagers (mostly young Black men) are more likely to attempt suicide than white teenagers.
5. African-Americans of all ages are underrepresented in outpatient treatment but over-represented in inpatient treatment. Few African-American children receive treatment in privately funded psychiatric hospitals, but many receive treatment in publicly funded residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed youth. 6. Among children in the child welfare system, African-Americans have less access to counseling than white children. 7. Children in foster care and the child welfare system are more likely to develop mental illnesses. African-American children comprise 45 percent of the public foster care population. 8. African-Americans comprise 40 percent of the
homeless population and only 12 percent of the U.S. population. People experiencing homelessness are at a greater risk of developing a mental illness. 9. African-American youth with mental health problems have lower educational achievement and greater involvement with the criminal justice system. Among all students in school, African-Americans are more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white peers. 10. Exposure to violence increases the risk of developing a mental illness; over 25 percent of African-American children exposed to violence meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Source: National Alliance on Mental Health. Visit www. nami.org for more information.
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
erfold
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nges
fordable Care Act, periences of mental ures, and there is a ural awareness and h care and mental
y to promote a better l health among youth in general, is if partalth organizations, ders (civic and faith), and policy makers are
tion for Mental Health ations at the forefront id. “Recently, they merican faith-based t funding (five in the n Texas to address African-American
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he wellness committee undation grant recipitist Church,” Harris f Medicine consulonal Alliance on Hope program have ct as well.” chool-based intervenportant stakeholders in services. In addition, ntal health-related proe number of Africand promote greater unity.
MENTAL HEALTH OF BLACK YOUTH
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions Here are frequently asked questions from the National Institute of Mental Health. Q. What should I do if I am concerned about mental symptoms in my child? A. Talk to your child's doctor or health care provider. Ask questions and learn everything you can about the behavior or symptoms that worry you. If your child is in school ask the teacher if your child has been showing worrisome changes in behavior. Share this with your child's doctor. Keep in mind that every child is different. Ask if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems. Q. How do I know if my child's problems are serious? A. Not every problem is serious. Many everyday stresses can cause changes in behavior, such as the birth of a sibling. Pay
he Houston area for over 85 years
special attention to behaviors that include: • Problems across a variety of settings, such as at school, at home, or with peers • Changes in appetite or sleep • Social withdrawal, or fearful behavior toward things your child normally is not afraid of • Returning to behaviors more common in younger children, such as bed-wetting • Signs of being upset, such as sadness • Signs of self-destructive behavior, such as head-banging or a tendency to get hurt often • Repeated thoughts of death. Q. How are mental illnesses diagnosed? A. Before diagnosing a mental illness, the doctor or special-
ist tries to rule out other possible causes for your child's behavior. The doctor will: • Take a history of any important medical problems • Take a family history of mental disorders • Ask if the child has experienced physical or psychological traumas • Consider reports from parents and other caretakers or teachers. Q. Are there treatment options? A. Once a diagnosis is made, your child's specialist will recommend a specific treatment. Choices often include psychotherapy or medication. Talk about the options with a health care professional who has experience treating the illness observed in your child.
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DEFENDER | JUNE 2 | 2016
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sports
Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien guides his team through OTAs.
Texans come together for OTAs
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By MAX EDISON Defender
t’s like a scene from a corporate gathering with everyone introducing themselves. Such is the case as the Texans assembled for two weeks of “voluntary” organized team activities – or OTAs – the first official time that teams go through practice paces minus the pads. Last year’s veterans meet the newest veteran free agents. Rookies, both drafted and undrafted, face many of the teammates they’ll seek to replace. The Texans hope that many of these new faces will be major contributors and fan favorites by season’s end. Head coach Bill O’Brien outlined the dynamics of OTAs. “It’s a nine-week program,” he said. “This [OTA] is phase three, which is a four-week phase where now you can go out there in helmets, no pads and do things against each other, but there really is no contact.” No two years are the same and O’Brien pointed out that moves were made in the off-season to improve team performance. “We’ve made a lot of changes personnel-wise on our football team,” O’Brien continued. “Every year is different. I’m not going to get into every single change that we’ve made. But everything that we try to do is to correct some things that weren’t very good last year or try to help the performance of the players on the field. We’ve made a lot of changes.” The Texans’ most important off-season acquisition, quarterback Brock Osweiler, explained his approach to OTAs. “It’s growing every single day and every single day matters, every rep matters, every rep is important,” said Osweiler, who previously played for the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. “There are going to be some good plays and plays I don’t necessarily call bad plays. I call them learning experiences and those are going to be incompletions and interceptions, where we’re not on the same page. “It’s installing in the morning and then it’s going out there and walking through it on the field then actually repping it full speed and for a lot of guys, it’s our first time maybe repping that play. So you’re not really sure what’s going to happen. “Then you go into the film room and we watch it as a unit and we try to get on the same page and we keep repping that. That’s really the phase that we’re in right now. We’re learning in the classroom, we’re repping it one or two times and then we’re trying to learn from it and get on the same page.” Defensively, fans will be happy to know that linebacker Jadeveon Clowney was going full tilt in the two weeks of work-
Brock Osweiler
Jadeveon Clowney
am’s most k, was the te ac rb te ar qu e new isition. Osweiler, th -season acqu important off
Linebacker Clo forward to an wney, a former No. 1 se lection, is lo injury-free se oking ason.
outs. Heading into his third season, the former No. 1 overall selection is happy to be injury-free and ready to make a bigger contribution in defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel’s scheme. “I feel great,” Clowney said. “After two seasons I think I just got healthy enough to be where I need to be. I’m very comfortable this year. I think I got the defense down and now I’m just figuring out what everybody else does around me so I can know the weaknesses of our defense and where to help at.”
Clowney also acknowledged the frustration brought on by being injured. “Of course it’s frustrating,” he said. “It feels like you’re letting the team down when you’re not out there. Injuries happen, you’ve just got to be mentally tough to come back and show the guys you are ready to play.” The Texans’ first home preseason game is Saturday, Aug. 20 against the New Orleans Saints.
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sportsbriefs
Blake Martin helping Deer Park dial perfection
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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
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Read how Atascocita got a leg up on
lake Martin likes doing things in a District 16-6A rival Kingwood big way. The Deer Park High School at a time.” sophomore wasn’t sure if he would While Martin may have secured his spot on play varsity baseball this year. That became a the Deer Park varsity squad via the long ball, mute point following his first appearance he’s proven to be a vital cog in the Deer’s for the Deer. small ball attack as well. He dropped “I had a little hint that I might a sacrifice bunt to move a runner into play varsity, but I wasn’t 100 scoring position in the win over Strake percent sure,” Martin said. “In Jesuit. late January I was told that I “We had some good bunts and would be able to play with the other times we weren’t as successful,” big boys and that I would be able Rupp said. “When we did get the bunts to get some playing time. in place, we were able to come up with “In my first game I got a some big hits. I was real pleased with first-pitch home run,” Martin said. the way that we came out swinging the “Things just took off from there.” bats and kind of shocked [Strake Jesuit]. Deer Park defeated Strake “When we score runs like Jesuit 9-3 in the first that with the way our pitchgame of a best-ofing has been, we’ll have three regional semia chance when that final series for its seventh inning comes 35th consecutive around,” Rupp said. victory without Although a loss during Martin honed the 2016 high his skills in the school baseball Pasadena Youth season. The Little League Deer are the Baseball ProNo. 1-ranked gram, there Class 6A team was little in Texas. doubt where Whether it’s at he would be atthird base or as the tending high school. designated hitter, Martin “My mind was always has become a valuable focused on Deer Park,” he member of the Deer said. Park lineup. “It’s all up to “They have a great About Blake Martin Coach [Chris] Rupp,” Martin program out here with great said. “He’s a great coach and a facilities and some great ball Birth date – Aug. 3, 2000 great baseball mind. He knows players. I just wanted to be a Birth sign – Leo what he’s doing and I just folpart of it.” Favorite subject – Math low his orders. On the professional level, Possible career – Mechanical “This has been a fun ride Martin admires Pittsburgh engineering [going 35-0],” Martin said. Pirates centerfielder Andrew How he relaxes – Plays with “We like to keep it together McCutchen. “He’s worked Rubik’s cube and keep a relaxed mood and hard to get where he is and Favorite meal – Pepperoni pizza not really think about it too become a great ball player,” Last good movie he saw – “42” much. We just take it one Martin said. “I like his ap(The Jackie Robinson Story) game at a time and one inning proach to the game.”
NBA player killed New Orleans Pelican guard Bryce Dejean-Jones was fatally shot at a Dallas apartment complex on May 28. According to authorities Dejean-Jones, 23, mistakenly kicked in the front door of what he believed was his girlfriend’s apartment. The actual resident of the apartment, hearing the break-in, retrieved his handgun and shot Dejean-Jones, who was in Dallas to visit his girlfriend and celebrate their daughter's first birthday. He had knocked on the door and then banged on the door thinking for some reason his girlfriend had locked him out. The incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. Dejean-Jones had signed a threeyear contract with the Pelicans in February.
New home for hall of fame The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF), which honors the accomplishments of players and coaches at historically Black colleges and universities, has found a permanent home in Canton, Ohio. The Pro Football Hall of Fame recently announced it will create a home on its campus for the BCFHOF. The organization, founded in 2009 by former NFL quarterbacks Doug Williams and James Harris, had previously held its inductions in Atlanta. “All of us associated with the Black College Football Hall of Fame look forward to working with the team at the Pro Football Hall of Fame to elevate the story of great African-American players and coaches who persevered and overcame great obstacles to achieve their dreams," Harris said. The $500 million development is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
Second Baptist wins title Second Baptist defeated Midland Christian 7-2 to claim the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state baseball championship at the Baseball USA Complex in Houston. It was the school’s fifth state baseball title. Junior Zachary Heaton was the winning pitcher. Senior Grayson Skweres was the offensive hero with three hits and three RBIs. Second Baptist scored all seven of its runs before Midland Christian could answer. Former Houston Astros standout Lance Berkman is the Second Baptist High School head baseball coach and former Astros and New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte was the pitching coach. Senior Jared Pettitte, Andy’s son, pitched Second Baptist to the championship game with a win in the semifinals.
UIL games leave Houston Following a one-year stop at NRG Stadium in Houston, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has announced the Texas high school football state championship games will return to AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The games will be played Dec. 14-17 this season. A scheduling conflict involving a Dallas Cowboys game forced the moving of all games except Class A to NRG Stadium in 2015. AT&T Stadium had hosted most of the title games from 2010 to 2014. The San Antonio Alamodome hosted the games in 2009. Three Houston area schools won UIL state football titles in NRG Stadium last December. Katy won the school’s eighth football title by defeating Lake Travis in the Class 6A Division II final. North Shore (6A Division I) and George Ranch (5A Division I) also won state titles.
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DEFENDER | JUNE 2 | 2016
Houston teen honored for flood relief effort After the devastating April flooding in Houston, Jasmine Geyen, fondly known as Jaz, is providing hope and comfort to young traumatized children in Houston’s Greenspoint area. After seeing young children floating on mattresses and in storage containers, Jasmine was moved to help restore their sense of security. She began by organizing a teddy bear and baby supply drive with her friends to donate to the youngest victims of the flood. She formed an organization called “Hugs 4 Houston.” Supporting Jasmine’s efforts are her parents, Janice M. Beal Ed.D and Dashiel J. Geyen Ed.D, along with State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, her friends and partnering organizations –Grandparents Support Group and the Honey Brown Hope Foundation. Thompson recently presented Jasmine with a certificate of recognition for helping to restore a feeling of security among young survivors in the Greenspoint flood district. Greenspoint, a low-income area with about 112,000 residents, was among the worst communities hit by flood. It is in Thompson’s district. “I am so grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers the city and community have shown to my constituents
during this difficult time," Thompson said. "Once more, Houstonians have answered the call of humanity and together we will rise again.” Jasmine is a 16-year-old junior attending the Awty International School. She has collected over 300 bears along with other stuffed animals, approximately 55 cases of diapers, 20 cases of baby formula and 200 packages of baby wipes. Donations will be distributed at Calvert Elementary and Spence Elementary to students and parents who were affected by the flood. Jasmine’s mother, a child psychotherapist, said that parents, educators and child care providers should beware of post-traumatic stress symptoms that may be experienced by children who are exposed to a disaster such as a flood. “My husband and I are extremely pleased with our daughter and her friends for not only being sensitive to others during times of trauma, but also for helping them to regain resilience and resources after this heartbreaking flood,” Dr. Beal said. “One of the best ways to help young people to cope is providing them with a sense of security such as a teddy bear to help them deal with the displacement of losing everything that is familiar to them.”
State Rep. Senfronia Thompson recognizes Jasmine Geyen for assisting flood victims.
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JUNE 2 | 2016 | DEFENDER
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Happening in Houston
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KIPP VOYAGE YOUNG LADIES’ LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE……… poverty to become mayor of the fourth largest city in America. Students had KIPP Voyage Academy for Girls hosted a Young Ladies’ Leadership the opportunity for a Q&A with the mayor. Those in attendance included: Conference on the Houston campus. KIPP Voyage Academy for Girls empowers Head of the Imani School Patricia Hogan Williams, Tammie Lang young women to be self-respecting independent thinkers with the academic, Campbell, Shar-day Campbell, Carla Brailey, Marley Brailey Harris and character, and social skills necessary to thrive in, and graduate from the four-year other students……….BRANWAR WINES & THE SPACE GROUP ART college of their choice as well as make meaningful contributions to their community TASTING………Branwar Wine Distributing Co. in conjunction with The and the world. Those in attendance included: Principal Tasha [SPACE] Group held an evening of wine and preservations Ginn, Tara Haskins, Rebecca Allen, Kristen Pappas, Binta at Peli Peli restaurant in the Galleria area. The event Defender TOP EVENTS pours Williams, Alisa Allen, Danay Lagard, Danielle Sloan, featured a four wine flight tasting and accompanying More photos on defendernetwork.com Kerrington Allen, Mamie Warren, Brittany Haswell, South African culinary bites. The evening aligned with Martha Macris, Stormie Hughes, Elizabeth Del Rio and a The [SPACE] Group’s mission to help artistic and creative host of workshop and panelist speakers………MAYOR LEE P. BROWN BOOK professionals providing them with the resources to help launch their careers. SIGNING ………The Honey Brown Hope Foundation in partnership with The The guest list included: Executive Chef Paul Friedman, Thomas Nguyen, Imani School held a book reading and signing for Houston’s first Black Mayor and Warren Luckett, Kalinda Campbell, Vernita Harris, LaVera Prestage, Police Chief Dr. Lee P. Brown. Dr. Brown’s new book, ‘Growing Up Mayor’ is Jailyn Marcel, Brandon Luckett, Cornel England, Billisha Hastings, an inspirational biography that speaks on Brown’s living through the challenges of Shari D. Bihms, and Edward Pollard. being a child of farm workers, and how he defied odds by working his way out of
Danay Lagard, Danielle Sloan, Kerrington Allen
Patricia Hogan Williams, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Tammie Lang Campbell
Warren Luckett, Chef Paul Friedman, Kalinda Campbell
Alisa Allen, Binta Williams
Carla Brailey, Marley Brailey Harris
Jailyn Marcel, Brandon Luckett
Tara Haskins, Kristen Pappas, Rebecca Allen, Tasha Ginn
Brown and students
LaVera Prestage, Vernita Harris
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DEFENDER | JUNE 2 | 2016 T:9.75 in
St…re…am…ing?
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Or Streaming.
T:13 in
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