Houston Defender: June 19, 2014

NATIONAL

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION DEPLOYS TROOPS TO IRAQ, P3 defendernetwork.com

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Volume 83 | Number 33

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ENTERTAINMENT

THE FUTURE OF

HOUSTON CHILDREN H PAGE 8

REP. SHEILA JACKSON LEE travels to Nigeria

P2 SPORTS JOZY ALTIDORE competes at World Cup

P14 HS ZONE D’ERIQ KING leads Manvel team

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Meagan Good reprises role Actress Meagan Good (far right) stays busy in Hollywood with television and film work. Hear what she says about her repeat role in “Think Like a Man Too,” the star-studded sequel coming to theaters. Find out how the cast got along. Discover what’s on the menu at her house.

H PAGE 6

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CHAG’S PLACE

Honorees Jarvis Hollingsworth, Dr. Matthew Plummer Jr. and Dr. Elwyn Lee at Morehouse brunch

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DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

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newstalk Free tests for HIV offered Defender News Services

In conjunction with National HIV Testing Week, the AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH) will provide free testing to the community at three locations between June 23 and June 27.

The event is designed to help more people become aware of their HIV status and to encourage those who know their HIV status and are not in regular medical care to take steps toward treatment.

“The National HIV Testing Week offers Houstonians many opportunities to meet the CDC’s current recommendations that screening for HIV infection should be performed routinely for all patients ages 13 to 64,” said Kelly Young, CEO of AFH. According to AFH, African-Americans account for 54 percent of HIV cases in Houston/ Harris County. Heterosexual contact accounts for 26 percent of reported cases and male-to-male contact accounts for 40 percent.

Testing dates, times and locations are: • Monday, June 23, 3-7 p.m., Walgreens, 3822 Old Spanish Trail • Tuesday, June 24, 8-10 a.m., SEARCH, 2505 Fannin • Friday, June 27, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Family Dollar, 12671 Bissonnet; and 3-7 p.m., Walgreens, 3822 Old Spanish Trail Founded in 1982, AFH was the first AIDS service organization established in Texas. It serves area residents in 10 counties, and 61 percent of the agency’s clients are African-American.

For more information visit aidshelp.org or nhtwus.org, or call 713-623-6796.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is joined in Nigeria by three other members of Congress (l. to r.): Frederica Wilson, Steve Stockman and Lois Frankel. Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Nigeria is second from right. (Photo by Idika Onyukwu)

Jackson Lee briefed in Nigeria

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Defender News Services

ongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee recently traveled to Nigeria, where she co-led a delegation to meet with government officials and others in reference to the schoolgirls kidnapped from the Chibok Girls Secondary School.

Jackson Lee is a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the House Congressional Children’s Caucus. She and other delegation members were briefed on the “horrific atrocities” Boko Haram is inflicting on residents of northern Nigeria and given an update on the kidnapped girls.

“I remain extremely concerned by the abduction of some 200 girls who were taken from their school hostel,” she said.

“My heart goes out to their families, and I am praying that they will soon be united with their children…We met with government officials and others to discuss what is currently

being done to bring these girls back to their families immediately.”

Jackson Lee said schools should be places of refuge and safety where children can learn and grow without fear.

“Girls and young women around the world absolutely must be allowed to go to school peacefully and free from intimidation, persecution and all other forms of discrimination,” she said.

Jackson Lee is proposing that a victims’ fund be created for the abducted girls and their families.

“I am also calling for the creation of an elite police unit with capability to deploy specialized police and army units rapidly to prevent and combat sectarian violence in cities and around the country where there has been a history of sectarian violence,” she said.

“Nigeria must also collaborate with the African Union and U.N. Peace Keepers to locate these missing girls and start providing armed protection for all schools in Nigeria.”

localbriefs FREE, HEALTHY MEALS are available for children 1 to 18 through HISD’s summer meal program. The program, which offers breakfast and lunch, runs through July 3 and is being held at more than 200 schools. Meals are nutritionally balanced to ensure children receive the necessary vitamins, minerals and calories. Last summer, HISD Food Services served over 1 million free meals to Houston-area children. There is no paperwork, registration or proof of income needed to participate. Adults can purchase breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.25. For information call 713-491-5944 or visit houstonisd.org/summermeals.........METRO IS SEEKING community

input on its reworking of the bus route network.

Public workshops will be held through July 31 at schools, churches and community centers. For dates and locations visit ridemetro.org or call 713-635-4000……..FREE LEGAL ADVICE FOR VETERANS is available at a legal clinic on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post 7109, 4202 W. Walnut in Pearland. The clinic is a public service of the Brazoria County Bar Association and the Houston Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Initiative.

No appointment is necessary. Any veteran or spouse of a deceased veteran can receive advice from a volunteer attorney in any area of law. For

information call 713-759-1133 or visit www. hba.org........THE FORT BEND ISD board approved a $561,700,652 operating budget for the 2014-2015 school year. The budget reflects an increase in the property values of the district and is designed to provide educational services for an estimated 72,317 students. The budgeted cost per student is $7,767, with more than 64 percent of the budget assigned to instruction.

The budget includes a minimum 4 percent salary increase for all teachers and an increase in the starting teacher salary from $46,500 to $50,000.

The budget also includes the addition of 395 new campus positions.

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JUNE 19 | 2014 | DEFENDER

national

nationalbriefs GUN VIOLENCE AWARNESS MONTH is being observed for the second year in a row in New York. The state assembly passed a resolution last year implementing the designation and announced a five-year plan to reduce gun violence in the state. Supporters noted that Black or Latino youth have a 56 percent increased likelihood of being injured by gun violence than a motor vehicle accident……..

AS FAST FOOD AND RETAIL WORKERS continue to rally for higher wages, a new study by the Economic Policy Institute revealed that Blacks are more likely to earn poverty wages than whites. EPI released the “Raising America’s Pay” study in conjunction with the launch of a new research initiative focused on “broadbased wage growth as the central economic challenge of our time – essential to alleviating inequality, expanding the middle class, reducing poverty, generating shared prosperity, and sustaining economic growth.” Although the number of Blacks and whites working poverty-level wages has increased since 2000, nearly 36 percent of Black workers made those wages compared to less than 23 percent of whites………STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN in Congress to protect women around the world from violence. Last year, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 was amended and reauthorized. This past month, a group of senators set their sights on broadening protection to women around the world. With the bill, S.2307, preventing and responding to violence against women abroad would become a top priority of American foreign policy. “Violence against women and girls impedes progress in meeting many United States global development goals,” the bill reads. “It is the policy of the United States to take effective action to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls around the world, as a matter of basic human rights as well as to promote gender equality, economic growth, and improved public health.”

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U.S. sending troops to Iraq for security

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Defender News Services

he Obama administration ordered the deployment of 275 troops to Iraq to provide support and security for personnel and the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. President Obama discussed the crisis with his national security team after notifying Congress of the deployment.

Obama also said the troops are equipped for combat and will remain in Iraq until the security situation becomes such that they are no longer needed. White House press secretary Jay Carney said the troops are entering Iraq with the consent of the governSoldiers conducted a military exercise in Iraq prior to American troop ment there. withdrawal in 2011. Now, some 275 troops are returning.

“The personnel will provide asing to talk with Iran to stem advancing Sunni sistance to the Department of State extremists in Iraq. in connection with the temporary relocation of The strength of the insurgency has refosome staff from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad cused attention on Obama’s policy toward Iraq. to the U.S. Consulates General in Basra and He campaigned in 2008 on ending the war there Erbil and to the Iraq Support Unit in Amman,” and removed all U.S. forces in 2011 after failCarney said. ing to reach an agreement with Iraq’s govern“These U.S. military personnel are entering ment that would have left some troops in place.

Iraq with the consent of the government of Iraq.

Recently, fighters from the Islamic State The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad remains open, in Iraq have rapidly advanced through mostly and a substantial majority of the U.S. Embassy Sunni areas of Iraq, capturing several cities. presence in Iraq will remain in place and the It was reported that they had taken Tal Afar, embassy will be fully equipped to carry out its a northern Iraqi city. The insurgent fighters national security mission.” posted images allegedly showing the execution The announcement came after Secretary of of hundreds of Shia fighters.

State John Kerry said the United States is will-

Republicans block student loan legislation VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 33 JUNE 19, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles People Editor Advertising/Client Relations Yvette Chargois Selma Dodson Tyler Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Local Editor ReShonda Billingsley LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Contributing Writer Tony Fernandez-Davila Cierra Duncan 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).

AFRO Staff

For the millions of Americans encumbered with college debt, relief was snatched away when Capitol Hill Republicans blocked measures that would have allowed borrowers to refinance their loans.

House and Senate Republicans stymied progress of the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, which would have allowed borrowers with college loans issued prior to 2010 to refinance at 3.86 percent. the rate established by Congress last year.

The White House, which supported the legislation, said the bill could have allowed an esti-

mated 25 million student loan borrowers to save an average of $2,000 over the life of their loans.

The measure would have been paid for by enforcing the Buffet rule – closing tax loopholes for the very rich.

“Today is a really good day for billionaires,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), one of the sponsors of the bill, said at a press conference after the vote. “For the more than 40 million people dealing with student loan debt it wasn’t such a good day.”

“We’re not giving up,” Warren added.

“Homeowners are refinancing. Small businesses are refinancing. We just want young people who got an education to have their shot.”

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DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

opinion

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Stop spread of HIV, get tested

J Wolverton, Cagle Cartoons

Did the UNCF make a deal with the devil?

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

W

hen the Koch Foundation gave the United Negro College Fund $25 million, it set off a maelstrom of comments in cyberspace and real time.

How the UNCF dare take money from the Koch brothers, some asked. They ought to send it back, said others. One woman told me she would never give to UNCF again because of the Koch donation. Another says the Koch donation changes her perception of UNCF. The donation will provide $18.5 million in scholarships, money that is badly needed to get some of our young people out of school, especially with the cuts so many experienced because of reduced access to the Parent Plus loan.

Another $4 million will go to the 37 UNCF schools for general support, again to make up some of the losses that came from reduced enrollment due to Parent Plus. The remainder goes to UNCF for their general support.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Koch scholarships will be awarded to students with good grades, financial needs, and an interest in studying how “entrepreneurship, economics and innovation contribute to wellbeing for individuals, communities, and society.” Sounds like conservative free markets to me. More than that, it sounds like granting scholarships to further the Koch government-reducing, free market focus.

Koch protects its interest by having two seats on the five member scholarship committee, with the other three from the UNCF. What else? The Koch brothers are making the most of this gift in the media.

Rarely have I seen so many headlines generated by a gift

of that size – $100 million, maybe; $250 million, surely. But while $25 million will mean a lot to the UNCF, schools such as Harvard would likely consider it nothing more than a modest behest. The Koch brothers must think they’ll get some positive publicity from their gift, and they obviously have the PR team to pitch it.

Furthermore, these are the very Koch brothers who have supported voter suppression efforts. They would reduce the size of government, which means the Pell grants that so many students depend on would shrink in size.

If the Koch brothers would fight to maintain or increase the size of the Pell grant, fewer would look askance at their gift.

Instead, many see this as the cynical manipulation of a deeppockets donor who gets much publicity from their gift.

If the Koch brothers are the devil, then most of our organizations are making deals with the devil. Look at the list of sponsors for any African-American organization or event.

Sit through a board meeting, and listen to folks review possible sponsors, many corporate.

Unfortunately, too many African-American organizations buy what we want and beg for what we need. Many in the African-American community have $25 million to give to the United Negro College Fund. Many could spend the dollars to support our students. The fact that we do not leaves us vulnerable to contributions like Koch, contributions that come with strings and, perhaps, a conservative agenda.

Should UNCF President Michael Lomax send the money back? Only if someone steps up to replace it. The $18.5 million for scholarships represents 3,700 scholarships for students. If the $4 million is divided equally among 37 schools, it means $108,000 per school, enough to hire back one of the people laid off and to support some programs. Should Michael Lomax lay down with the devil? Where is the angel?

une 21-27 is National HIV Testing Week, and for Black Houstonians who have put off being tested, it’s the perfect time to do the right thing for the sake of your health and the health of others.

The AIDS Foundation Houston is providing FREE testing at three locations between June 23 and 27, so there is no excuse.

It’s estimated that 55 percent of Americans have never had an HIV test and one in six who have HIV do not know they are infected Because African-Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV, there’s additional cause for concern in our communities.

In Houston, African-Americans account for 54 percent of HIV cases in Houston/Harris County. In the U.S., African Americans account for an estimated 44 percent of all new HIV infections among adults and adolescents, despite representing only 12 percent of the population.

The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.

There are certain behaviors that increase your chances of getting HIV. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should definitely get an HIV test.

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment such as needles or syringes with others?

• Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners?

• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?

• Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis or a sexually transmitted disease?

• Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?

Don’t delay. Get tested for HIV for free. Visit aidshelp.org or call 713-623-6796.

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JUNE 19 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

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entertainment

Meagan Good stars in ‘Think Like a Man, Too’

M

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

eagan Good has developed into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. Most recently, she starred in the sequel “Anchorman: The Legend Continues” with Will Ferrell. She was also the lead character in the NBC drama “Deception.”

She co-starred in the critically-acclaimed TV series “Californication,” the box-office hit, “Think Like a Man” and Charles S. Dutton’s comedy “The Obama Effect.”

In one of her first major film roles, the eerie 1997 drama “Eve’s Bayou,” she delivered a powerful performance opposite Samuel L. Jackson. She began starring in commercials at age 4. Her first major TV role was on the Nickelodeon hit series “Cousin Skeeter.”

Good resides in Los Angeles with her husband, DeVon Franklin. Here, she talks about reprising the role of Mya in “Think Like a Man, Too.” Her co-stars include Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson and Gabrielle Union.

KW: What was it like shooting the sequel? Everybody came back.

MG: I know. We got the whole shebang! It was a lot of fun. Everyone really gets along, and the chemistry is just right with this group. And it’s not always like that on a project. So, this was kind of a treat for all of us to reunite, play, hang, do what we do for a living and have fun doing it.

KW: You’ve achieved success in so many media. Which is your favorite?

MG: I enjoy [TV and film] for different reasons. I like the freedom that comes with film where you work for a couple of months and then are off for a few months. With TV, there’s much more of a commitment, since you work for six months straight and, potentially, if the show does well, you’ll be doing

Meagan Good (far right) joins Regina Hall, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union and LaLa Anthony in “Think Like a Man, Too.”

it every year for as long as the show runs. That longer commitment can be a little scary at first.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

MG: Light.

KW: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in?

MG: I’d love to do “Thelma and Louise” or “Pretty Woman.”

KW: Let’s say you’re throwing your dream dinner party.

Who’s invited and what would you serve?

MG: Barack Obama and Prince, and I’d serve oxtail

soup.

KW: What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet?

MG: Not much besides the hair, makeup and gown. I’m really the same person, I just have to get dressed up for events which, to be honest, is not really my favorite thing. I don’t mind wearing a dress once in a while, but I’m really more of a jeans and T-shirt girl.

KW: If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the time?

MG: Helping somebody in need.

what’sup RUBY DEE is being remembered for her seven-decade career on stage and screen. Dee, 91, died peacefully at her New Rochelle, N.Y. home on June 11. Her film credits included “The Jackie Robinson Story” (1950), “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961), “Buck and the Preacher” (1972), “Do the Right Thing” (1989) and “American Gangster” (2007). Dee and her late husband OSSIE DAVIS were a force in the Civil Rights Movement as well as the performing arts community. Dee was born in Cleveland and grew up in Harlem. She graduated from Hunter College with a degree in romance languages. She joined the American Negro Theater and where she worked with SIDNEY POITIER and HARRY BELAFONTE. She appeared on Broadway and made her film debut in “That Man of Mine” in 1946. She is survived by three

children……...”22 Jump Street,” the new cop comedy starring CHANNING TATUM, JONAH HILL and ICE CUBE, came in first at the box office with $60 million in ticket sales……..WILL & JADA PINKETT SMITH have been cleared by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services following an investigation. A controversial photo surfaced online showing their 13-year-old daughter WILLOW sitting in bed with a 20-year-old shirtless actor.

Sources told RadarOnline that officials found no evidence that Willow had ever been in danger……..BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN was all smiles after linking up with her father BOBBY BROWN on Father’s Day and posted photos of them together. Their relationship had been strained since the death of WHITNEY HOUSTON in 2012…….. Rapper and actress EVE recently married her longtime boyfriend

Maximillion Cooper in Spain. Cooper, a 41-year-old Englishborn entrepreneur, is the millionaire founder of Gumball 3000, an annual 3,000-mile international motor rally. Eve, who co-starred in the “Barbershop” movie franchise, admitted that she never had an interracial relationship before. “I honestly have to say I never thought I’d be with a white guy ever, but it just happened. It’s amazing. I’m the first Black girl he’s ever been with too,” she said…….. KERRY WASHINGTON stepped back into the spotlight for the first time since giving birth to her daughter ISABELLE in April.

Washington accepted a Women in Film award for career achievements. She said she couldn’t be happier with her life. “I will say I feel really, really blessed. I am [seeing] extraordinary dreams come true in my work life and in my personal life.”

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JUNE 19 | 2014 | DEFENDER

Quincy Jones to be saluted Entertainment legend Quincy Jones will be saluted by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) during an all-night tribute on Monday, June 30, at 7 p.m.

Jones will join TCM host Robert Osborne for a night of films featuring scores he composed. The evening kicks off with “The Pawnbroker” (1965) starring Rod Steiger.

Also included in the lineup are “The Slender Thread” (1965), starring Sidney Poitier and Anne Bancroft; “In the Heat of the Night” (1967), the Best Picture Oscar-winner starring Steiger and Poitier; “The Italian Job” (1969), starring Michael Caine; and “Dollars”

(1971), starring Warren Beatty and Goldie Hawn.

Jones, 81, has also found success as a producer, artist, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, record company executive, magazine founder and multi-media entrepreneur.

He began his career as a trumpeter in the 1950s, and toured with such jazz greats as Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie before starting his own band.

In the early ‘60s Jones turned his attention to the world of film scores, which had essentially been closed to African-Americans. He has received seven Academy Award nominations.

In 1975 Jones formed Qwest Productions, and produced hits such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and his own album, “The Dude.”

Ensemble presents musical The Ensemble Theatre presents its season finale musical and regional premiere of “I Wish You Love,” an intimate portrait of the late Nat King Cole and his music. Written by Dominic Taylor and directed by Lou Bellamy, it runs June 26-July 27.

“We’ve been looking forward to bringing this play in collaboration with Penumbra Theatre Company to Houston with great anticipation,” said Eileen J. Morris, Ensemble artistic director.

“In the wake of losing Dr. Maya Angelou whose words continue to teach and inspire, we have an opportunity to bear witness to the [impact] that Nat King Cole and his music made on the world.”

The musical is set during a time when Cole’s carefully manicured image distracted an entire generation of white viewers from the reality of racial violence raging in the streets. Cole believed that with enough talent and persistence he would be judged on the content of his character as opposed to the color of his skin.

Guest director Bellamy is founder of Penumbra Theatre in Minneapolis and playwright Taylor was director of Penumbra’s new play development program.

Featured cast members include Derrick Brent II, Jason E. Carmichael, Ron Jones, Jack William Rogers and Dennis W. Spears.

For performance and ticket information visit www.EnsembleHouston.com or call 713-520-0055.

*

Thu., June 26, 3 to 7 p.m.

Fri., June 27, 3 to 7 p.m.

Sat., June 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. greaterthan.org/Walgreens *Testing provided by health departments and AIDS organizations

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DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

THE FUTURE OF

HOUSTON CHILDREN

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

cover

Minority ch

Facts &

Children at Risk recently r “Growing Up in Houston: Ass Our Children.” The 2012-2014 indicators that measure the q Here are some of its findings: • Over 800,000 students public schools.

• Twenty-percent of Harri 20 percent are white and 53 p • At last count, 28.6 perce 56.62 percent of Latino childr • The average child exper in a neighborhood where the r 16 percent Black and 25 perce households are headed by a fe unemployment, and nearly 30 school degree.

• While hunger and obesit patible, hunger has been linke deserts,” urban areas where it or quality fresh food. In Texas, are obese, compared to 23 pe percent of Latino children.

Experts explore issues impa

M

ore than 1 million children live in Harris County. An estimated 19 percent are Black, 24 percent are white and 51 percent are Latino. What does the future hold for them?

The answer to that question was addressed at the eighth annual “Future of Houston’s Children” conference sponsored by Children at Risk, a nonprofit organization that serves as a catalyst for change through research, education and influenc-

ing public policy.

Local experts and community leaders explored the issues affecting the everyday lives of children in Houston and the innovations that will help shape their future.

“The wealth of the nation rests on the health, education and well-being of children,” said Angelo Giardino, a pediatrics professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Here is a look at what the future holds in three areas.

EDUCATION

The early years of a child’s life are the most crucial to their mental and social development, and early education is vital in preparing a child for success in the school system.

Quality early education contributes to better academic outcomes and increases high school graduation rates, especially in children from low-income families.

“The best way we have moved a kid from poverty to the middle class is through quality public education,” said Robert Sanborn, Ed. D, president and CEO of Children at Risk. “We have to maximize how we get those kids into public education and how successful they are.”

One program, Project GRAD, reaches more than 40,000 students, including 75 percent that are

“The wealth of the nation rest and well-being of children.” at-risk in HISD. It uses a system of curricular and family support programs to help build academic skills and encourage students to complete high school.

Communities of Schools in Houston (CIS) works with Alief, Aldine, Houston and Spring school districts. Each year, CIS assists 30,000 students and families with dropout prevention.

“We try to remove as many barriers so that they can have self-confidence, graduate from high school, go to college and pursue their education,” said Rene Gonzalez, a project manager with CIS. CIS provides children with five basics – a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult/role model, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a healthy future, a marketable skill to use upon graduation, and a chance to give back to peers and community.

NUTRITION

Food security refers to the availability and access to nutritionally adequate and safe foods. In Texas, 27.1 percent of children are food insecure, which primarily results from poverty.

“We’ve got to create an environment where children have access to healthier options,” said

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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& figures

released its biennial report, sessing the Quality of Life of 4 report is a compilation of quality of life for local kids. : are enrolled in Harris County

is County students are Black, percent are Latino. ent of Black children and ren received food stamps riencing food insecurity lives residents are approximately ent Latino, over 25 percent of emale, there are high levels of 0 percent of adults lack a high

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Preventing child abuse Defender News Services

hildren:

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According to a new study, Black children are twice as likely as whites to be victims of child abuse, with 1 in 5 becoming victims of neglect and/ or physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, used data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System.

Researchers found that by the age of 4, Black children had a 1 in 10 chance of being maltreated. By age 10, the risk was 4 in 25. By age 15, Black youth had a 1 in 5 chance of having a CPS file.

“When we think of [the data’s] racial disparities, it’s not necessarily bias among CPS, but more about the large problems of social disparities,” said Hedwig Lee, one of the study’s authors. “In many cases parents are overwhelmed and not receiving enough support. That’s a social and economic problem.”

There are ways to help prevent child abuse. Here are tips from two organizations, Childhelp and Prevent Child Abuse.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

Be a nurturer. Meet your child’s physical needs and emotional needs.

“De-stress” when needed. If you find yourself stressed out, maybe it’s time to let a trusted friend or

family member help out. Sometimes a good night’s sleep away from home is all it takes.

When your baby cries, be patient. Visit www.aboutshakenbaby. com for tips on calming an infant.

Find alternatives to lashing out at your child. Step back and sit down. Take deep breaths. Count to 20. Phone a friend or relative. Punch a pillow.

Munch an apple. Listen to soothing music. Take a warm bath or cold shower.

Avoid emotional abuse. Do not ridicule your child’s appearance, abilities, fears or accomplishments. Do not undermine your child’s confidence and feelings of selfworth with cruel remarks such as, “You’re no good” or “You should have never been born.” Do not threaten to beat or abandon your child.

WHAT EVERYONE CAN DO

Help a friend, neighbor or relative. If a parent you know seems to be having a rough time, that’s a great cue that they may need a break.

Get involved. Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.

Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you suspect abuse, report it. Anyone can call the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anonymously. Certified counselors are there to assist callers.

acting local kids

ts on the health, education Brian Greene, president of Houston Food Bank.

Food insecurity has been linked to poor school performance, reduced attention in class, behavioral issues, increased school absences, higher rates of special education, and more suicidal or depressive tendencies among children. Chronic hunger can also lead to many health issues later in life and is associated with increased rates of hospitalization.

“Our mission is to make sure children have the proper nutrition they need to succeed in life,” Green said. “Obesity and diabetes rates [in children] are bad but it gets significantly worse in lowincome families.”

Greene said low-income families have significant challenges when it comes to proper diets.

These include affordability and living in food desserts, where fresh produce is not available.

The Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program and Summer Food Service Program provide free or affordable meals to low-income and food-insecure families.

he Houston area for over 80 years

HEALTHCARE

According to Giardino, who is also chief quality officer for medicine at Texas Children’s Hospital, “continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated” medical care should be family and culturecentered.

He said the American health care system is a fee-for-service system that considers the provider’s convenience rather than the patient’s. “The fee-for-health system is not going to get us set up where we want to go,” he said.

Many families without health insurance rarely see a primary care physician. Instead, they rely on emergency room visits for their primary source for health care. Often, disadvantaged children do not receive the proper medical care to keep them healthy which effects school performance and overall quality of life.

Compared to insured children, children without any form of health insurance are five times more likely to have an unmet medical need, over three times less likely to receive a needed prescription drug, and 30 percent less likely to receive medical care if they are injured.

To help reduce some of the factors working against low-income and disadvantaged children, Texas Children’s opened The Center for Children and Women in 2013. The facility is designed to put all medical needs in one place and to improve access to quality healthcare for Medicaid and CHIP recipients. It is open seven days a week and has extended business hours.

“The evidence is clear,” Giardino said. “If you give people an ideal medical home, they use the emergency room less and the state saves a lot of money.”

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DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

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business

Publishers say Kroger ignores Black community

By NICOLE SCOTT & ROBYN H. JIMENEZ Texas Publishers Association

the Forward Times’ publicist.

This is not expected to change any time soon. Even though Kroger’s is ranked 23rd on the list of Fortune 500 companies, it has no advertising budget allowed for its African-American consumers.

In 2013, it set aside $198,058,196 for advertising.

Mainstream television stations, newspapers and radio stations received the bulk of the advertising, which is common. It carved out a small portion for other minority media, but refused to include African-American media.

““Have you been invited?”

It’s a simple question that the Black Press has asked its community for several years, with the underlying message, “Don’t go where you haven’t been invited.”

Many publishers of Black newspapers have expressed that stores that do not carry AfricanAmerican products, advertise in African American-owned media, and refuse to carry AfricanAmerican newspapers and magazines have sent a clear message that Blacks are not invited.

Maxine Session, founder and publisher of the Texas Informer newspaper, said she got the message loud and clear.

A united front

Battle begins

During a routine delivery in 2013, Walter Session, Informer owner and co-publisher, arrived at a Kroger store to find that the newspaper shelf that had stood for many years inside the store entry had been removed.

He immediately found the store manager Christine Tate and asked where he could place the newspaper. She said that he could not leave it there, that it was not her decision, but that of the corporate office. However, the mainstream newspaper was still in the store.

Tate informed Walter that (after 10 years) he could not continue to place his newspaper in the store, because it was considered solicitation. She told him that it was not her decision, but that of corporate and if he wanted to continue to offer the publication to the store’s customers he would have to contact the corporate headquarters in Cincinnati.

Walter contacted headquarters, but each time he called their corporate office, customer service took a message with the response that someone would give him a call. No one did. The issue became one of many long battles in the struggle to run a minority publication.

During an interview, Tate denied the conversation with Walter and suggested that the person to talk to regarding the matter would be Brian Mixon, another store manager.

At first, Mixon claimed Kroger corporate made the decision to stop carrying the African American newspaper. But he quickly retracted his statement and claimed the regional office in Houston would have made the decision. Rather than expound upon the decision, he suggested contacting the consumer affairs

office in Dallas.

Other publications, such as the Power Pages News, have reported receiving the same clear message from Kroger that they weren’t invited. The publication has served Collin and its surrounding counties for almost 20 years.

“When you have an African-American newspaper you fight a lot of battles,” Maxine Session said.

But having to pick her battles, Session decided not to pursue the lost distribution drop and concentrate on moving forward.

Power Pages News Publisher and Founder Hattie Kelly, who is president of TPA, said that her newspaper has sought advertisement from Kroger for several years to no avail.

Other Texas publishers have experienced the same response from Kroger, according to Mollie F. Belt, vice president of the Texas Publisher’s Association.

Belt is also the publisher and CEO of the Dallas Examiner. Her newspaper doesn’t receive any ads from the grocer either.

Karen Carter Richards, CEO and publisher of Houston Forward Times, said Kroger flat-out refuses to advertise with any Black newspaper in Houston.

“We don’t do any advertising in any AfricanAmerican newspapers,” Theresa Bordelon, Kroger’s regional hub manager told Judy Foston,

Blacks spend $1 billion annually in supermarkets, with Kroger being their second choice.

“Are we really invited in their stores?” Belt asked. Or has the Black community become complacent?

“After so many years of being told ‘No,’ I’ve just stayed away. But now I feel it’s time to take action as a group,” Kelly said.

Forming a united front, the publishers of TPA – representing African-American newspapers across Texas – hope to spread their message to their readers.

Fifty years ago, one would not expect businesses to invite them in through advertising or carrying products designed for the African American community. Blacks took what they could get because that’s the way things were. But the Black community no longer has to accept being left out. TPA suggested that the African-American community demand equality from their grocers.

Without fear of repercussions, Blacks can ask their managers for products that are designed to meet their needs; write to corporate offices and express their concerns about the lack of advertising geared toward their needs, and printed in the publications they read most; and insist that they carry African American publications in their stores.

Furthermore, TPA suggests that African-Americans do business with people who do business with Black businesses.

To write or call with your concerns, contact: Corporate Affairs Department, The Kroger Co., 1014 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-1100, 513-762-4000.

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SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARK GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS

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WIN A FAMILY

SIX-PACK OF TICKETS 10 families will enjoy a wet & wild summer!

Registration ends July 11th Visit www.defendernetwork.com for your chance to win, no purchase necessary Not valid Saturdays in June, July or August You must be 18 to enter – Contest open to Houston area residents only- You must be able to pick up the tickets, they will not be mailed- Tickets not picked up by July 31st. will be voided- Your email address will not be shared.

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12 DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

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INTRODUCING &

...OUR NEW ONLINE

Jesse Muhammad

RELIGION Rudy Rasmus

Chris Hartwell

FAMILY

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

Victoria Christopher Murray

RELIGION

POLITICS

POLITICS

BLOGGERS

Darnel Thomas

I

Kachelle Kelly

Darnel Thomas

Andrea Odom Campbell

Insightful, Inquisitive, Inspirational, Indignant, Introspective.... join us as we take a look into the beliefs and observations of our bloggers as they reflect the thoughts, dreams and perspectives of the Black community...

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Former Councilman John Castillo dies John Castillo, a Hispanic leader who served three terms on City Council, died June 15. He was 75.

As a political strategist, Castillo worked to get other candidates elected to office. He worked on the campaigns of former officials Mario Gallegos, Ben Reyes and Leonel Castillo, among others. He eventually became a candidate himself, run-

Mental health conversation targets teens The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has launched a new statewide mental health awareness campaign focused on teens and young adults called “Speak Your Mind Texas.”

The campaign centers on a series of town-hall style community conversations throughout Texas hosted by DSHS. Houston’s “Community Conversation on Teen and Young Adult Mental Health” 4.79”W x 3.25”H will be held on Tuesday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive.

Mental health professionals, young people seeking treatment and local stakeholders will discuss mental health issues affecting their community. Information will be available on warning signs of mental illness and substance abuse, and resources that can help youth.

The campaign is part of a statewide grassroots movement to remove barriers to treatment, particularly among teens and young adults. The Texas Legislature added more than $300 million in additional mental health funding for 2014-2015.

The funds are being used to expand services, decrease wait lists, make improvements at the state’s mental health hospitals, and develop targeted efforts for veterans and young people.

DSHS encourages anyone in the Houston area who works with teens or young adults to participate in the local “Speak Your Mind Texas” community conversation.

For more information visit speakyourmindtexas.org.

ning for controller, Harris County constable and winning the City Council election.

“John Castillo and I served on Houston City Council at the same time,” recalled Mayor Annise Parker. “In fact, I had the pleasure of sitting next to him at the council table. He was a calm, patient man who had excellent institutional memory. Though he faced legal difficulties, he never

wavered in his commitment to the people of Houston. He will be missed.”

“John Castillo was among the early political leaders in the Latino community,” added Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez. “Along with his brother in-law Leonel Castillo, they paved the way for so many young people.”

Shortly after taking office in 1996, Castillo was accused along

with two other councilmen in a bribery scheme. Two federal trials ended in hung juries and the prosecutors dismissed the charges in 1999. The scandal led to the conviction of Reyes. Castillo was re-elected twice to council.

Castillo was born in a family of 17 children. He was the first in his family to attend college and majored in math at the University of Houston. Services are pending.

The Ryan White Planning Council Invites You to Meet Houston Public Leaders and Give Public Comment on…

Ryan White Part A, Part B & State Services Priority Rankings and Allocations for 2015

classified REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

Also learn about…

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

HIV/AIDS Trends and Highlights for Houston and the Surrounding Area

Leland Woods Redevelopment Authority (“LWRA”) requests proposals for the construction of affordable houses on an undeveloped 36.014 acres of Section 2 of Leland Woods Subdivision. Leland Woods is a 77.27 acre single family residential community platted or to be platted into a maximum of 372 lots.

Monday, June 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

This televised Public Hearing will be held at the Houston City Hall Annex - City Council Chambers 900 Bagby Street, Public Level - Free Parking in Back To register for free Childcare or Transportation, you must call by 5pm on June 25th: 713 572-3724 (TTY: 713-572-2813)

LWRA will be offering the 36.014 acres for the cost of debt service or payoff of the existing note and deed of trust in the amount of $866,606.38. Additionally, qualified homebuilders may be eligible for down payment assistance from the City of Houston. For the complete Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and submittal requirements e-mail Debbie Russell at Debbie.Russell@bgllp.com. Responses to the RFP are due by June 26, 2014, at 3:00 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Ryan White Planning Council Office of Support 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 www.rwpcHouston.org

HISD Board of Education Redistricting The Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District will conduct public hearings on redistricting of its Trustee Districts at the following locations and times:

Welcome

Tuesday, July 1, 2014 6:30 PM Shadydale Elementary School 5905 Tidwell (77016)

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 6:30 PM Pin Oak Middle School (Multi-Purpose Room); 4601 Glenmont (77401)

Thursday, July 10, 2014 6:30 PM Hattie Mae White Educational Service Ctr. (Board Auditorium) 4400 West 18th Street (77092)

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 6:30 PM Austin High School (Auditorium) 1700 Dumble (77023)

The hearings are part of a district-wide effort to gain public input into the process of redrawing the nine Trustee Districts as a result of the NFISD annexation. A quorum of the Board may or may not be present at any particular hearing, location, or time. Public comment is welcomed and solicited. Maps of the current boundaries and proposed redistricting plan will be available at the hearings, and may be obtained by contacting HISD Board Services at 713-556-6010, 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, Texas 77092, or by visiting the Houston Independent School District’s website at www.houstonisd.org.

TO YOUR FUTURE PROMOTION. 8237 Tidwell East 6215 Laura Koppe 6214 Laura Koppe 3822 Cavalcade 1510 Weiss 6215 East Land 6701 Weaver Road 8219 Ley Road 6230 Calhoun Road OBO

register today for summer/fall classes. hccs.edu

James Phillips, Broker (713) 433-5696 or (832) 654-8014

Welcome_Defender Summer 2014.indd 1

5/21/14 11:11 AM

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DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

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sports

Soccer teams vie for

World Cup

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

he 20th FIFA World Cup, the largest sporting event in the world, began recently in Brazil. The Cup is played every four years. The games will be played at 12 different Brazilian venues culminating with the championship game in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.

Over 700 athletes, from 32 national teams representing 31 nations, including defending champion Spain, will all compete for the coveted gold championship trophy.

For Brazil, this marks the second time they have hosted the World Cup (the first was in 1950). It will be the fifth time the World Cup has been played in a South American country, the last being Argentina in 1978. A South American team has won the four previous times.

Eight groups of teams will play a total of 64 matches to reach the championship. For the casual soccer fan, here is a breakdown of three of the Cup’s top teams and the prospects of the USA team as well.

Spain comes in as the defending World Cup champion (2010). They also won the EuroJozy Altidore

Altidore, another USA player, is a striker, a powerful and top-scoring forward who plays toward the center of the field.

Cup in 2012. The Spanish team is currently ranked No. 2 in the World Football Elo ratings and No. 1 in the FIFA World Ranking.

They are an extremely deep and talented team DaMarcus Beasley lead by defender Sergio Ramos, mid-fielder Juan Mata, goalkeeper Iker Casillas, midfielder Xavi Hernandez and mid-fielder Andre Iniesta.

They are coached by Vicente del Bosque. They will compete in Group B which includes Australia, Chile and the Netherlands.

Argentina has a rich tradition in World Cup history. They hosted and won the Cup in 1978 and also captured the trophy in 1986 in Mexico City. They won the Olympic titles in Athens (2004) and in Beijing (2008). They are currently the No. 3 ranked team in the world by FIFA. They are led by the incomparable Lionel Messi, a virtual goal-scoring machine, recognized by many as the world’s No. 1 player. In addition, keep your eye on defender Javier Mascherano, mid-fielder Gonzalo Higuain and winger Angel Di Maria. Team Argentina is coached by Alejandro Sabella. They will participate in Group F with Iran, Nigeria and Bonsia-Herzegovina.

Brazil is the most successful national football team in the history of the FIFA World Cup. The Brazilians won titles in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They are also the most successful team in the FIFA Confederations Cup with four titles, winning in 1997, 2005, 2009 and 2013. Team Brazil is currently ranked No. 9 in the world by FIFA. No team is loaded with more major league stars than

USA’s Beasley is a winger, whose primary task is to provide strikers with accurate crossing passes so they can shoot at the goal.

Brazil. Co-captain David Luiz, captain Thiago Silva and Dani Alves are three of the world’s best defender tandems. Star player Hulk has been a mainstay as a winger since 2012. Another star, 22-year-old Neymar, is one of the world’s top five players at forward. They are coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari. Brazil will compete in Group A with Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon.

USA made it to the round of 16 in South Africa in 2010 before losing to Germany. They are currently ranked No. 13 in the world by FIFA. They will participate in Group G, which may be the Cup’s most difficult draw.

Germany, Ghana and Portugal will also compete in this group.

The Americans are led by talented and experienced winger DaMarcus Beasley, high- scoring striker Jozy Altidore, mid-fielder Michael Bradley, captain Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, the CONCACAF Goal Keeper of the Year for 2013. They are coached by Jurgen Klinsmann.

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According to FIFA, the 2010 World Cup final reached 619.7 million in-home viewers and was broadcast in 204 countries. In comparison, Super Bowl 46 was watched by 111.3 million people in the U.S. and broadcast in 232 countries.

JUNE 19 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs

King big man on Manvel’s campus King began playing youth flag football when he was 5 years old and noticed that he was excelling in sports by the time he reached 12. “I was in the sixth ’Eriq King is being mentioned with some grade and people started recognizing me around town,” select company these days. The Manvel he said.

High School standout quarterback has One of his memorable highlights from last been compared to the likes of former football season was the game against Fort Bend Bush Houston area high school phenoms Vince in the playoffs. “Definitely the Bush game because it Young and Bralon Addison. was a real good game and we won it on the last play,” Standing 5-foot-9 and possessing what Manvel King said. head coach Kirk Martin describes an “incredible skill Like many of his teammates, King has attracted set,” King guided the Mavericks to a berth in the multiple scholarship offers. While he’s open to a regional finals in football last fall. position change on the college level, he prefers to On the heels of that he donned a basketball uniform remain at quarterback. His favorite NFL quarterback is and as the starting point guard helped Manvel into a Seattle’s Russell Wilson and his favorite overall athlete regional quarterfinal appearance against eventual Class is Kobe Bryant.

5A state champion North Shore. King had to miss the Yet with two years remaining in his prep athletic game due to a foot injury career, King won’t have to suffered a round earlier. contemplate any position defendernetwork.com change in the near future.

All this transpired during the 2013-2014 school He can keep flourishing in Manvel coach optimistic about football season year when King was just a select company. sophomore. When school starts back in August, King will be a “Big Man on Campus.”

“I didn’t know I would eventually be starting,” said the Westbury Christian transfer.

“I just came in and competed and it happened.

Actually, it was around the third game of the season, the Galveston Ball game when I Birth date: Aug. 23, 1997 officially became a starter, that’s when I realized I Birth sign: Virgo needed to step up and be a leader.”

Favorite subject: Math Martin reports that King is fully recovered from the injury and Possible college major: going through offseason running Engineering and lifting programs along Favorite meal: with participating in 7-on-7 drills. Manvel has already Grandmother’s qualified for the state 7-on-7 barbecue tournament in College Station What motivates him: next month.

“D’Eriq has superior “Anything to make quickness and the ability to Mom happy” stop and start in a crowd World problem to and in the open field like no one I’ve ever seen before,” solve: End violent said Martin, who has been crimes head coach at Manvel since Person he would the school opened in 2006.

“He’s poised and flourishes like to be for 24 under pressure. He can run hours: Boxer Floyd well and throw well. On top Mayweather Jr. of that he’s a great leader.”

D

15

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

About D’Eriq King

Houston in Special Olympics Eighty-four Houston area athletes and coaches are in New Jersey representing Team Texas for the Special Olympics USA Games. Team Texas consists of 120 athletes and 34 coaches participating in 15 sports through June 21. More than 3,500 athletes and 1,000 coaches from across the U.S. are competing in the Special Olympic Games at venues that include Princeton University, Rider University, the College of New Jersey, Mercer County Park and several private schools.

Fishing open scheduled An upcoming Texas High School Open is a two-person (team) event for anglers in grades nine through 12. It offers students the chance to experience the intensity of major tournament competition while testing their bass-fishing skills against their peers.

Participation is free for all Student Angler Federation members. Others will pay a $25 membership fee that includes eligibility to fish Student Angler Federation tournaments at no charge. High school anglers will take off from Cassels-Boykin Park located at FM Road 3121 (off State Hwy 147) in North Zavalla at 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 22. The weigh-in will be held at the same park at 3 p.m. The top three teams from each SAF High School Fishing Open held this season will advance to a High School Fishing conference championship along with the top 10 percent of each state championship field. Registration for anglers and their coach, who will provide and drive the boat from which they compete, is open online at HighSchoolFishing.org.

Former Oiler/Titan dies Former Houston Oiler and Tennessee Titan running back Rodney Thomas died June 14 while visiting his mother in his hometown of Groveton, Texas.

The cause of death is unknown. He was 41. Thomas, a former Texas A&M University standout, led the Groveton High School football team to back-toback state championships in 1989 and 1990. He led the Aggies in rushing for four straight seasons, and in 1994, his teammates gave him the Aggie Heart Award, given to the senior player who demonstrates effort, determination, leadership and courage. The Oilers selected Thomas in the third round of the 1995 draft, and he ran for 947 yards and five touchdowns during his rookie season. The team drafted Heisman Trophy-winning running back Eddie George in the first round the following spring, making Thomas a backup. He was a resident of Spring and is survived by a wife and 4-year-old child

Astros visit youth academy Manager Bo Porter, outfielders Dexter Fowler and George Springer, and first base coach Tarrik Brock made a special visit to the Astros Urban Youth Academy in Acres Homes recently. The Astros are currently holding a free summer camp at the academy for boys and girls ages 7-17. It includes baseball and softball instruction and the opportunity to play games. The camp lasts for five weeks. Porter, Fowler, Springer and Brock each spoke to the campers and also took photographs. The academy is operated by the Astros Foundation and provides free baseball and softball instruction, life skills training and academic support to Houston youth.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 19 | 2014

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For Event Coverage...visit

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chag’splace

HOUSTON MOREHOUSE ALUMNI ASSOCIAHMAA president King Malaki Sims, event chair Bryce TION…..The third annual “Honoring our Fathers” Kennard and the entire membership for another successFather’s Day brunch was recently held at the HESS Club. ful event. Continued success!.....STREET OLYMPICS The alumni association (HMAA) recognized five fathers SUMMER GAMES KICK-OFF…..Under the leaderfor their outstanding work and accomship of its founder, Commissioner Join Yvette Chargois plishments. The honorees included El Franco Lee, the Harris County Dr. Elwyn C. Lee/Alvin Wardlaw Precinct One Street Olympics held its Events of the Week Mentorship award, Dr. Frazier Wil28th anniversary kick-off ceremony for More photos on defendernetwork.com son/Sr. Community Service award, the 2014 summer games. Thousands See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Jarvis Hollingsworth/Dezra White of children will participant this year with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m.

Leadership award and Dr. Matthew in street games to show off their skills W. Plummer Jr./Distinguished in traditional games such as kickball, Alumnus award. This year’s Maroon Tiger “Father of hopscotch, Hula Hoop, jump rope, jacks and basketball the Year” award was presented to Derrick A. Reed. dribble, to name a few, in hopes of competing for gold, HMAA provides scholarships to incoming freshmen and silver and bronze medals in the final games scheduled graduating seniors at Morehouse. This year’s scholarship later this summer. The organization’s mission is to implerecipients are Jaleen Bush and Jared Jackson Simon. ment and sustain programs that provide training, support Kelvin Sampson, head basketball coach at the Univerand resources that lead to healthy and productive lives for sity of Houston served as the keynote speaker, and Will our youth. Good luck to all!.....FOR THE SAKE OF Norwood III was the master of ceremonies. We salute ART…..Art patrons, artists and fashionistas were treated

HMMA president King Malaki Sims and luncheon chair Bryce Kennard

Street Olympics participants enjoy fun and games.

Chairs Cheryl and Peter Thornton and director Alvia Wardlaw

Scholarship recipients Jaleen Bush and Jared Jackson Simon

Jeremiah Davis, Myles Levine and Eligiah Davis with Commissioner El Franco Lee

Judges Lora Clemmons, Cesar Galindo and Elizabeth Anyaa

to the exciting world of wearable art at the third biannual “For the Sake of Art 2014” hosted by the University Museum at Texas Southern University. The artists were challenged to create improvisational designs inspired by the works from the museum’s stellar permanent collections of African-American, African and American art.

The highlight of the evening was the runway presentation of the 15 semi-finalists. This year’s winner of the wearable art competition was designer Linda Morgan Soders. Kudos to Alvia Wardlaw, director of the University Museum; honorary chairs Hazel Biggers and Drucie Chase; co-chairs Cheryl and Peter Thornton; and hosts for the evening, Joy Sewing, fashion writer for the Houston Chronicle and Phillip Collins, executive director of the Memnosyne Institute. We also salute competition coordinators Andrea Bonner and Toni Whitaker and the incredible panel of judges – fashion icon Lora Clemmons and designers Cesar Galindo and Elizabeth Anyaa. Fabulous show!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Honorees Jarvis Hollingsworth Esq., Dr. Matthew W. Plummer Jr. and Dr. Elwyn C. Lee

Street Olympics participant Trenton Brinson

E’Lexus Thompson and designer Linda Morgan Soders

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