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HOUSTON VYING TO HOST THE 2020 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION P2
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Volume 87 | Number 34
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JUNE 21, 2018 |FREE
NATIONAL AL SHARPTON joins Black clergy in blasting immigration policy
P4 SPORTS KYLIAN MBAPPE soccer star stunning at World Cup
Black colleges in
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H.S. ZONE TJ FORD inspires youth with AAU
P15 TOP EVENTS
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BEYONCÉ & JAY Z Discuss marriage, mayhem in surprise album H PAGE 5
Trevor Jackson is ‘Superfly’
retires from HS sports
The talented actor is revising the Black classic, and the man behind the movie – Director X is sharing his vision for the film that is currently receiving rave reviews. Bo Porter and Dr. Austin Lane at the Who’s Who in Black Houston event.
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Darrell Ardison
After 23 years of reporting the latest on and off the field, the Defender high school sports editor is retiring. Read what Ardison’s friends and colleagues have to say about his expertise and professionalism.
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Houston bids to host 2020 Democratic Convention Defender News Services
HISD trustees must comply with state law and pass a budget for 2018-19.
HISD scrambles to implement budget by June 30 deadline Defender News Services Now that HISD Board trustees have rejected a $2 billion proposed budget for the 2018-2019 school year, many are left wondering what that means for the district’s 2 million students. In a surprising split, board members voted 5-4 to reject the budget proposal after several trustees expressed concern about using $19 million from HISD’s rainy-day fund to cover a shortfall. Trustees had voiced little public opposition to the budget until its last meeting. “What this budget does right is jeopardized by what it does wrong,” said Trustee Anne Sung, talking about the use of rainy-day funds to meet budget gaps. “If we were in strong financial health, if we were in a normal budget year I would be fine with that.” She said the district needed to return to balanced budgets. However, Trustee Jolanda Jones said this year, and in subsequent years for the fore-
seeable future, the district would be in a deficit due to hefty recapture payments to the state. “We actually give the state more money than we even get from the state,” Jones said. “Next year, we’re gonna be in a deficit and the year after that and the year after that and what I don’t want people from the public to think is that we misspent money.” Trustees now have until June 30 to comply with state law and pass a budget for 2018-19. HISD administrators are expected to present a revised budget proposal in the coming days. A date has not been set for the next board meeting. Though it was on the agenda, the board didn’t discuss plans to re-instate interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan as the permanent superintendent. Lathan took the position earlier this year after then-Superintendent Richard Carranza abruptly left HISD to become chancellor of the New York City public school system just 18 months after he arrived in Houston.
Houston, recognized for its record of successfully hosting mega-events, has submitted an official bid to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention. The bid document of about 600 pages shows how Houston’s convention infrastructure and its people put the city in a superior position to host the presidential nominating convention. The downtown Toyota Center indoor arena and the close-by, expanded George R. Brown Convention Center in the Avenida Houston convention campus would provide the main gathering spaces for the July 13-16, 2020 convention. A Metro light rail system crisscrosses downtown nearby. Delegates and other participants traveling by air would arrive at Houston’s two international airports. Both have a four-star rating from Skytrax, making Houston the only U.S. city with two. About 24,000 hotel rooms would be available within 14 miles of the convention sites, placing the city well ahead of other cities on hospitality logistics. A record-high 20 million visitors traveled to Houston in 2016. Houston’s specialty in hosting major events shone through with the 2017 Super Bowl, the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament finals and the continuing annual Offshore Technology Conference, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Comicpalooza and more. The city hosted the Republican National Convention in 1992 and the Democratic National Convention in 1928. Houston has since become the fourth most populous U.S. city and its most diverse, attracting new residents from across the nation and the globe. “I am confident that we are the right city and this is the right time to bring the convention to Houston,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in letter to DNC Chairman Tom Perez that introduces the bid package.
localbriefs SEVERAL THOUSAND TEXANS WILL DESCEND on Fort Worth June 21-23 for the biennial state Democratic convention, where they will hear from prominent politicians, adopt new platforms and elect party leaders. Democratic party leaders say they hope to showcase a united front ahead of what’s expected to be a tumultuous general election in which many are predicting Democrats will make gains nationwide. Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994…….THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY HAS quietly dismissed, retired or otherwise disciplined 45 publicschool superintendents since 2012 for transgressions ranging
from embezzlement to sexual misconduct, many under a code of silence that insulate school boards and other officials from negative publicity and voter recrimination……..TEXAS’ UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, which has hovered around 4 percent for the past eight months, is the lowest it has been in 40 years. In April, the state created more jobs – 39,600 – than any other state in the country. However, unlike the robust economic recovery, the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is still stuck in the recession. Last month, the state spent more than $416 million to provide food stipends to nearly 3.7 million people, according to data analyzed by The Texas
Monitor. In the late recession month of November, 2011, when the unemployment rate was nearly twice what it is today, SNAP served a little more than 3.7 million people and spent roughly $452 million………PARENTS IN FORT BEND ISD can now see changes that could be made to make their children’s schools safer. FBISD Police Chief David Rider presented to the Board of Trustees security measures being discussed by the district’s Safety Advisory Committee. On the table as extra security measures are supplemental door locks, ID badges, fencing around schools and metal detectors at entrances. Each machine and accompanying wand costs about $4,100.
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Family separation receives pushback from Black clergy Defender News Service African-American religious leaders are demanding that immigration detainees are allowed to exercise their right to clergy visits, as they take a stand against President Donald Trump’s policy of separating children from their parents. Rev. Al Sharpton, president and founder of the National Action Network, announced that social justice leaders will hold a press conference in Washington, D.C. to urge the Trump administration to end its policy of separating families at the U.S. border. Sharpton and other clergy Rev. Al Sharpton opposes the Trump administration policy of separating immigrant children plan to visit separated families from their parents. held in detention by immigrabers of the Black clergy. tion officials. They are calling on U.S. Attorney Gen“The Bible does not justify discrimination eral Jeff Sessions to permit the visit because “all have masked as racism, sexism, economic inequality, opthe right to a ministerial visit,” a statement said. pression or the abuse of children,” said a statement African-American clergy are part of the growing from the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist opposition to Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy against Episcopal Church. anyone caught crossing the border illegally into “Jesus, who was an immigrant who had to leave the United States, including those who are seeking the place of his birth and immigrate to Egypt because asylum. Under the policy, the government is separatof an oppressive leader and system, admonishes ing families. The Department of Health and Human all that the poor, children, the elderly, widows, and Services has taken more than 11,000 children from widowers should have a special place of justice and their parents, according to reports. compassion in every nation.” Sessions defended the administration’s policy by Political and civil leaders are continuing to push quoting scripture (Romans 13), which he interpreted for passage of the Keep Families Together Act (S. as a directive from God to obey government laws for 3036) to stop family separations. California’s Demothe purpose creating an orderly society. cratic Sens. Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein That comment received quick rebuke from memintroduced the measure.
FORMER WHITE HOUSE STRATEGIST STEVE BANNON thinks President Donald Trump has a lot to be proud of, so much so that even the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would applaud his efforts at “helping” Black and Latino Americans. Bannon, former chairman of right-wing website Breitbart News, made the claim during an episode of “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos. Bannon’s claim was enough to draw a response from King’s daughter Bernice, who accused the former Trump aide of “dangerously and erroneously co-opting my father’s name, words and works.” She is an Atlanta minister..…..A LAWSUIT CLAIMS THAT WASHINGTON, D.C. is pushing out long-time residents by pricing them out in order to make way for millennials. An attorney filed a discrimination lawsuit against the city claiming that gentrification is preventing residents from affording high rents. The complaint states that the city’s housing and urban renewal policies are designed to favor younger renters, while middle-aged and lower income residents are unfairly being pushed to the wayside because of rising costs. “The city is intentionally trying to lighten Black neighborhoods, and the way they have primarily been doing it is through construction of high-density, luxury buildings, that primarily only offer studios and one bedrooms,” the suit reads. More than $1 billion in damages is being sought…….THE HOME WHERE CIVIL RIGHTS PIONEER ROSA PARKS once lived has been on a global journey. After being shipped from Detroit to Berlin to undergo reconstruction, the house has been returned to America and is slated to be auctioned off. Parks and her family initially moved into the Detroit home in 1957 after she received death threats in the South for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. The home was supposed to be featured in an upcoming exhibit at Brown University but the institution is no longer including it.
Suit filed to halt Obama Presidential Center NNPA News Service Days before the Chicago Plan Commission approved plans for the Obama Presidential Center, a federal lawsuit was filed to block the proposed $500 million facility that will be built in Jackson Park. The 500-acre park is located in Chicago’s predominantly Black Woodlawn and South Shore neighborhoods, where former First Lady Michelle Obama, rapper Kanye West and other prominent Blacks once lived. Protestors are concerned that the library will eventually drive up rents in the area and force out longtime, low-income residents. The plans now go
before the city’s 50-member City Council. While those plans are expected to pass that stage, the Obama Foundation faces a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Protect Our Parks that may be its biggest hurdle yet. Protect Our Parks accuses the Chicago Park District of an “institutional bait and switch.” It said the park district transferred public land to the Obama Foundation to house an official Obama federal library, but that purpose changed when Obama decided his center will not be his official library. A spokesman for Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the center would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create good jobs on the South Side, bring communities together and honor Obama’s legacy.
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 34 JUNE 21, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer
Jodie B. Jiles
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
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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Beyoncé, Jay-Z release surprise album Defender News Services Currently in the middle of the European leg of their On the Run II tour, Beyoncé and Jay- Z took a pause from packing out stadiums and arenas overseas to release their long-awaited joint project, “Everything Is Love,” exclusively on Tidal. Beyoncé herself made a rare appearance on Twitter to announce the release, also revealing the premiere of a Tidalexclusive track titled, “Salud,” which does not appear on the album. The nine-track collaboration features verses from both of the superstar entertainers on each song, with lyrical messaging centered around celebrating all things Black culture. One run through of the debut joint effort hears the duo reference everything from the beauty of Black love, to police brutality, to their naysayers, to mass incarceration, to Essence Fest and much more. The surprise release was also accompanied by a visual for the album’s lead single titled “Apes---.” In the video, directed by Ricky Saiz, the beloved couple bring powerful imagery tied to Black and African culture to life, as they make their way through the Louvre Palace in Paris flanked by Black female dancers while outfitted in custom designer looks. Six-year-old Blue Ivy Carter also makes the album, closing out the third song on the track list, titled “Boss,” with a sweet shout-out to her younger twin siblings, Sir and Rumi. The joint album is filled with lyrics that some fans interpret to be about settling old scores, shading frenemies and blasting their haters.
Superstar couple Beyoncé and Jay- Z surprised fans with “Everything Is Love.”
Their daughter Blue Ivy Carter can be heard on the song “Boss.”
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entertainment
‘Superfly’ director adds bling to old tale
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Defender News Services
ou might not be familiar with his name, but if you know today’s hip hop, you have probably seen his work: “Hotline Bling” (Drake), “Work” (Rihanna), “Excuse Me Miss” (Jay-Z), “Hot in Herre” (Nelly) aren’t just standouts because of the artists behind the music, but the look of the videos. They are crafted by Director X with polished production design and his trademark opening and closing of the videos with the horizontal or vertical frames of the shot, expanding to reveal the shot and closing in until the screen goes black. Now X is getting his chance at a studio movie and directed the reboot of the Blaxploitation classic, “Superfly.” The plot points are similar to the original 1972 movie – a cocaine dealer named Priest (played by Ron O’Neal in the original movie and Trevor Jackson in the reboot) is out for one last major score — but the new version tweaked it to give it more of a 2018 feel. Instead of being set in New York City, it’s in Atlanta and instead of the cops providing Priest with the massive amounts of cocaine to sell, like in the original, a Mexican cartel is the distributor. Here, Director X talks about his vision for the movie, which is in theaters now. Defender: You transplanted the 1972 Harlem origins of the original to a contemporary tale set in Atlanta. Why did you change the location and how different is this film from the classic? Director X: While Harlem was the epicenter of Black culture in that counterculture period, Atlanta has emerged as a similar contemporary catalyst. One thing has remained, and that’s the hustle. I decided to make “Superfly” my first studio feature because I felt it was classic material. I
tried to inject that core into the new movie. If you know the original “Superfly,” you’re going to see your favorite characters. They’re not going to have the exact same thing happen to them but you can see it’s inspired by the original film. Defender: Even with the movie’s playfulness, you sprinkle in moments of seriousness. X: One gang leader dies at the end of a car chase by crashing into a Confederate statue, which is a nod to the string of monuments celebrating Confederate figures being torn down last summer around the country. And there’s a scene at the end of the movie where Priest has a fight with a cop, pummeling him with his martial-arts moves. It’s a moment that isn’t just borrowed from the original movie, but a recognition of Black Lives Matter. No one is under the illu-
sion that what’s been happening lately is a new occurrence. The original ‘Superfly’ was a moment of revenge; even if it’s a fantasy, you got to feel it. Defender: You compare yourself to a chef and a mercenary, making the point that you see your job as completing a project using the blueprint formed already — whether by a marketing executive, screenwriter or producer. X: I do. Producer Joel Silver has been trying to make ‘Superfly’ for 20 years, so who the f--- am I to take it out of his hands and act like it’s mine. Studio pictures definitely have a lot of things flying around and the idea that the director is the one sole creative decision-making source is not real. It took me a long time to get that balance versus my vision.
Director X
Trevor Jackson
what’sup OPRAH WINFREY entered a multi-year partnership with Apple to produce original programming for the tech company as it tries to take on Netflix and Amazon in an increasingly crowded content field. It’s the latest salvo in a pop culture battle for attention and comes three weeks after Netflix announced a deal to bring in former President BARACK OBAMA and his wife, MICHELLE, as producers of exclusive content. That streaming service was already basking in the glow of previous deals with “Scandal” creator SHONDA RHIMES and talk show icon DAVID LETTERMAN……. BILL COSBY ousted the high-powered defense
team whose aggressive tactics failed to sway jurors from convicting him of sexual assault in April. A Cosby spokesman said the attorneys have been replaced by a Philadelphia-area defense attorney with experience handling sex crimes cases. No word on why the change was made. Cosby is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 24 on three counts of aggravated indecent assault for drugging and assaulting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004. The 80-year-old comedian has been on house arrest since his conviction…….R. KELLY’S ex wife, Andrea Kelly, is speaking out about domestic abuse allegedly caused by the R&B
singer during their marriage from 1996 to 2009. Kelly, who is a choreographer and dancer, said she prayed for guidance and that God steered her in the direction of a questionnaire on a domestic violence website, which gave her the courage to walk away…….Gospel star KIRK FRANKLIN revealed that his sister has been sentenced to 30 years in prison in Texas. The Grammy winner isn’t saying what landed his sister behind bars. However, he has been open about his sister’s drug addiction in the past via his Patheos blog. After Franklin made the mindblowing announcement, his friends and followers offered him kind words and wanted to uplift him.
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T:9.75”
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Black Thought Award-winning MC, Actor, Actor, Ac Cultural Curator
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Ardison sp o shortstop ke to Northside H S Marissa M aldonado softball coach Wil l Warner .
and
Darrell K. Reti
Friends pay Defender high sch
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By MARILYN Defen
ver the past 23 years, Defender read through the reporting and photos of featured on “Gimme a Minute in Hi ries. Ardison has retired as high sch pay tribute to him:
Ray Carrington III, “Gimme a Minute” photographer & Yates High School instructor – “It’s not often you can work with someone who is as professional as Darrell who still has the personality of humbleness. That’s Darrell! It’s like going to work with your best friend and at the same time knowing he’s coming with his best. For more than four years, it has been my pleasure to work with him doing something unique and trend-setting. I’m proud just to know him as it makes me produce more each and every time. He is always open to the approach “we” should take and always asks what I think of the game, the coach and the team.”
iewed Ardison interv ent ud st of hundreds as sprinter athletes, such n of Amber Johnso p. tri Wal
Max Edison, Defender pro & college sports editor – “I’ve known Darrell for over 30 years dating back to his time as a sports writer for the Houston Post. He has consistently been one of the foremost authorities on high school sports in the greater Houston area. Darrell has always been passionate in his approach to covering sports, especially in those urban areas where young folks’ positive exploits are often overlooked. I’ve enjoyed working side by side with my good friend for the past 15 or so years, despite him being a Southern University alum. They don’t make them like D.A. anymore! Best wishes partner. Michael Hurd, author; former sports reporter; director, PVAMU Texas Institute for Preservation of History & Culture – “Darrell has been the consummate professional as a reporter and is just a great guy, in general. I’ve known him since the 1980s at the Houston Post so I had an opportunity to observe up close the start of his career and I’ve followed his progress since. He’s done a fantastic job covering the area’s high school sports with great knowledge, insight and depth, especially where the traditional Black community schools and their athletes and coaches are concerned. Congrats to him on a career well done.”
Ardison w orked wit (Photos by Ray C h Defender vide ographe arrington r Jodie B III). . Jile
s on “Gim
me A Min
Sonny Messiah-Jiles, Defender publisher & CEO – “Darrell has been a cherished member of our Defender family. He is thorough, dependable, a gifted writer and an ute.”
defendernetwork.com • Serving t
defendernetwork.com
. Ardison ires
y tribute to hool sports editor
N MARSHALL nder
ders have stayed abreast of youth sports f Darrell K. Ardison. In addition, Ardison is igh School Sports,” the Defender’s video sehool sports editor. Here, friends and colleagues editor’s dream. He never missed a deadline and submitted his copy and photos before they were due. Darrell enjoys working with young people and viewed high school sports as a calling, not just a job. Darrell interviewed hundreds of student-athletes and coaches who were excited to see themselves in the Defender. He traveled the city and state covering football, volleyball, basketball, track, softball and baseball. We will miss Darrell. Simply put, he is irreplaceable. Daryl Wade, director, Houston Astros Youth Academy; former HISD & Aldine ISD athletic director; former coach – “I met Darrell right after college when I was a young coach at Nimitz High School and playing semi-pro baseball in the Houston City Baseball League. One of his college teammates was on the team and Darrell came out to watch games on occasion and we just hit it off as friends. In 2002, I became the athletic director in Aldine ISD and was the first African- American to have that position and he came out and did a story about me. Darrell’s personality made me feel he was prouder that I had received the position than I was (lol). It seems like whenever there was a big sporting event in Aldine ISD whether it was football, basketball, track, boys or girls sports he was there to cover it. He made sure the kids were being covered and that was very important to me. “For several years Darrell would ask me to consider coming to HISD as the AD. In 2007, I became the AD in HISD and again I felt Darrell was as proud as I was to be coming to HISD. As I think about it now, he perhaps could have been the reason I was noticed as an AD in the Houston area and for that I am very thankful. There were times I felt coaches and other ADs were not giving him the opportunity to visit with them. I would always make myself and our kids available to him because I knew Darrell would write positive articles and cared about the fact that he was proud to give me, our student athletes and coaches of color an opportunity to be spotlighted when other journalists would not. The Houston sports community and all the schools in the area will truly miss his work and I am proud to call him my friend.”
he Houston area for over 85 years
About Ardison • Born in Houston, raised in the southern California, moved back to Houston as a teen.. • Graduated from Worthing High School and starred on baseball team. • Attended Southern University in Baton Rouge on baseball scholarship and graduated with honors. • Worked as substitute teacher in HISD. • Worked part-time at Houston Post from 1978-1983. Began working as full-time reporter in 1983 until newspaper folded in 1995. • Became Defender high school sports editor and HISD English teacher and baseball coach in 1995. • Married to Georgetta Ardison with two children, Kimberly and Marques
Ardison enjoys traveling the world and plans to do more of it now that he has retired.
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Mom of kidnapped daughter broken-hearted
Kamiyah Mobley
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Shanara Mobley
do to prevent the two from communicating. While Mobley was in the courtroom hen Shanara Mobley found during Williams’ sentencing, she believes 18 her daughter who had been years wasn’t enough, that the death penalty kidnapped at birth, she just would have been more suitable. Kamiyah, who is still living in Williams’ knew her 18-year nighthouse in South Carolina, believes the sentence mare had come to an end. was fair and looks forward to the day when But since Kamiyah Mobley reunited with her she’ll be released. biological family a year ago, Mobley said the Mobley believes authorities should prenightmare is far from over. vent Williams and her family members from Mobley has cut off contact with her contacting Kamiyah. daughter over Kamiyah’s refusal to stop “When a man rapes a woman he’s never speaking to Gloria Williams, the woman who allowed to contact her again, so why can this kidnapped her when she was just hours old kidnapper continue to reach out to her vicand raised her as her own for 18 years. Wiltim? I don’t feel that liams was sentenced she should be able to to 18 years in prison “I pray to God He changes my contact Kamiyah and earlier this month. I don’t feel that her heart towards you but I hate During a recent family should be able interview with ABC you and that hate is very, very, to contact my child. News, Kamiyah very strong. Help me to The first time Gloria revealed that she forgive you.” stole my baby by speaks to Williams herself. This time now several times a week. you’ve got the legal “We actually system helping her to steal her all over again. talked today. I still do call her Mom.” She can reach out to my daughter every dayIt’s a lingering relationship that breaks my sentence won’t stop until she’s dead.” Mobley’s heart. So much so, that she’s issued Mobley was 15 when she learned she was an ultimatum to her daughter. “I shouldn’t pregnant with Kamiyah. Craig Aiken, Kamihave to compete with a kidnapper,” she said. yah’s father, was in jail when Mobley gave “She has to pick one of us.” birth on July 10, 1998. Mobley said she feels like Kamiyah is re“When they first handed Kamiyah to me jecting her and it hurts just as deeply as when Williams disguised herself as a nurse and stole I said, ‘Open your eyes so you can see how pretty your mama is.’ She smiled right back at her in 1998. me, it was the best feeling ever.” “It’s like a tug of war between us. WhenEight hours later, Mobley, still groggy ever I feel like I’m winning her back, boom from the epidural, remembers a woman wearthe other side pulls me down,” Mobley said ing blue scrubs and surgical gloves coming through tears. “Nobody acknowledges my into the room. She assumed she was a nurse. pain. I feel like I’m being robbed all over Instead it was Williams. Mobley said she beagain every time [Gloria Williams] reaches friended her, talking with her, smiling at her. out to my daughter.” “‘She seemed to be really nice and so kind Prosecutors said there’s nothing they can Defender News Services
Gloria Williams
but she was evil at the same time. She was a devil dressed up in sheep’s clothing. I let her hold the baby and now that I look back on that day, she looked at the baby as if she was perfect. She looked at her like, yeah, this is the one.’ ” Aiken’s mother noticed something was wrong when she saw Williams grabbing Mobley’s baby bag on the way out of the room. The family alerted the hospital staff that something was off and they raced around trying to find her but by that time it was too late. Williams had secretly suffered a miscarriage before Kamiyah was born. When she brought the baby home, none of her family members doubt the child’s identity. Last year, when Kamiyah was found, Mobley assumed that she would just come into their lives. And when they first met, the relationship seemed to be going pretty well. The two had girls’ nights out and took a trip to a music festival. “When we first met we were inseparable. We talked every day. I felt she would just come on into our lives. I didn’t know the kidnapper had such a hold on her.” Mobley said she was tired of being disrespected and blocked Kamiyah’s number. “She’s blocked now because I don’t want to argue with her. I’m tired of being hurt. I’m not saying there’s not a time that we can get closer but I really should not have to compete with that woman.” When it comes to Gloria, Shanara said she has nothing but hatred for her. “I pray to God He changes my heart towards you but I hate you and that hate is very, very, very strong. Help me to forgive you. Just let my baby go. Please let my baby go. If you feel any sympathy for me let her go please. I’m not saying that as a bitter, angry woman. I’m saying it as a mother who was robbed 20 years ago – and still counting.”
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A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance
health
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Metabolic syndrome: Know the facts, risks By EVETTE KINGCAID, M.D.
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etabolic syndrome, sometimes called Syndrome X, is a cluster of risk factors that can raise your chance for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. And it’s becoming a major Evette Kingcaid, M.D. problem among AfricanAmericans, especially women. Having even one of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome isn’t ideal, but it takes three or more for an official diagnosis. Your risk increases with the number of risk factors, which include: • Being overweight, especially around the midsection. • High blood pressure or being on medicine for high blood pressure. • High blood sugar or being on medicine for high blood sugar. • High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) or
being on medicine for high triglycerides. • Low good cholesterol (HDL) or being on medicine for low HDL.
Race may play a part
African-Americans are at particularly high risk for metabolic syndrome: • More than 40 percent of U.S. blacks have high blood pressure. That’s among the highest of any group in the world. • More than 63 percent of African-American men and 77 percent of African-American women are overweight. • 5 million African-Americans have diabetes. Certain factors can increase your chances for metabolic syndrome. These include: • Age: As you age, your risk increases. • A family history of metabolic syndrome. • Smoking. • Lack of exercise.
Divide and conquer your risks
Making changes to the way you live may help prevent some of the risk factors from developing. Even if it doesn’t prevent or help reverse metabolic syndrome, you’ll still be taking positive steps to
improve your health. Your first step is to learn your numbers – cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and blood sugar. Then work with your doctor to keep them where they should be. This may require medicine and some changes in your lifestyle. Good old-fashioned advice that helps keep you healthier in general also will help prevent or improve metabolic syndrome: • Eat healthy. Your doctor can help with specific diet recommendations. • Lose some weight. • Exercise and be more active throughout the day. Research has found that people who regularly exercise reduce their risk of chronic health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. • Don’t smoke. Finding out you’re at risk of metabolic syndrome can be a wake-up call to come up with a better formula for healthy living. Dr. Evette Kingcaid is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Kelsey-Seybold’s Summer Creek Clinic in Humble. For an appointment, call 713-442-0000.
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Healthcare that Revolves Around You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, your entire healthcare team can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for you. Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: n
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DEFENDER | JUNE 21 | 2018
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Black volleyball team wins championship Defender News Services
Haley Eckerman often played alone on Iowa high school volleyball courts. As a young Black athlete, she rarely had African-American role models or teammates. She saw her classmates at Waterloo East High, one of Iowa’s most diverse schools, select other sports. “Especially in Iowa, where we play basketball or run track,” Eckerman said. Eckerman went on to land All-American honors at the University of Texas and a professional career in the sport. But she wanted to show young Black girls that volleyball offered pathways to success as well. Eckerman found a way to promote her philosophy in grand fashion last month. She put together an all-star team comprised of African-American women and won the USA Volleyball Open National Championships. It was the first time that a team of all-Black women won the title in the 89 times it has been contested. The 12-member squad’s name? Team Dream. In many states, having Black role models in volleyball is hard to come by. Lindsey Atkinson, director of sport at the National Federation for State High School Associations, said interest in volleyball is growing nationwide, as shown by increased viewership ratings and the expansion of beach volleyball among NCAA programs. At the same time, however, extracurricular budgets for high schools are decreasing. “That’s the battle that athletic directors across the country are fighting,” Atkinson said. Putting together an all-Black volleyball team for a national tournament had its challenges. Eckerman and Brown wanted to find enough African-American women to make their own team. They needed to find players to fill every position on the court, and fast. Former Texas teammates joined the team until they had a pioneering team ready for a Dallas tournament. There was little time to prepare for the country’s national championship in late May. The athletes had just one practice session before they had to compete in the tournament. They represented nine college programs. Even Eckerman wasn’t sure what would happen. “We knew we could hit,” Eckerman said. “The biggest things were passing and defense.”
Team Dream, comprised of African American players, won a national open division volleyball title. (Photo courtesy Texas Star Photography/USA Volleyball)
As it turned out, Team Dream was dominant and went 7-0 in the tournament. Screams erupted when the team won the championship. It was a watershed moment for volleyball, and for African American sports history. Compare it to the 1966 NCAA men’s basketball championship. Texas Western (now UTEP) used an all-Black lineup to beat Kentucky’s all-white starting lineup. That story was made into the movie “Glory Road.” Or the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates, who on Sept. 1 fielded an all-Black starting lineup – the first time that happened in a Major League Baseball game. Winning the national title put Team Dream in the spotlight – and history – as well. “If we would have lost, I don’t know that anybody would have cared,” Eckerman said. The victory brought a national title and glory and perhaps, for young girls across the country, a chance to dream, too. “I’m hoping they will realize that volleyball is a fun sport, too, and give it an opportunity,” Eckerman said.
Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff becomes youngest female tennis champion in 24 years Defender News Services
Another Black tennis player is making history. Cori “Coco” Gauff, 14, became the youngest girl to win the junior title at the French Open since 1994. Gauff defeated Caty McNally 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1) in an allAmerican final to win the girls’ title at the French Open. She is the fifth youngest to win the title overall in the history of the French Open. Gauff has been playing since the age of 6 but has also been training with Serena Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, since 2015. Gauff comes from a family of athletes: Her father, Corey Gauff, was a basketball player at Georgia State University, and her mother, Candi Gauff, is a former track star and gymnast. The young tennis champ posted about her win on the ’gram and thanked God as well as those who have supported her.
classifieds The HARRIS CENTER for Mental Health and IDD (formerly known as MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY) will be accepting proposals for the following: HIPAA PRIVACY AND SECURITY RISK ANALYSIS Specifications may be secured from The HARRIS CENTER, Purchasing Services located at 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074; telephone (713) 970-7281, The HARRIS CENTER website www.theharriscenter.org or the Electronic State Business Daily Site https://portal.cpa.state.tx.us/ beginning Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Wednesday, July 11, 2018. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 9401 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2018, HIPAA PRIVACY AND SECURITY RISK ANALYSIS". Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Frances Otto, Buyer II and Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Buyer III, via E-mail to frances.otto@theharriscenter.org cc: sharon.brauner@theharriscenter.org or fax at (713) 970-7682. The HARRIS CENTER reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests, and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPE INFILL The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the Downtown Landscape Infill project, located in Downtown Houston. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Thursday, July 19, 2018 by the Director of Planning & Design, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Beginning Monday, June 18, 2018, Bid Documents will be available at www.civcastusa.com. Any Addenda will be distributed through www.civcastusa.com. Bid Documents may also be examined at the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (2302 Fannin Street, Suite 165, Houston, TX 77002) or viewed online at isqft.com. A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 22, 2018, in the Downtown District’s Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders (general contractors) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend the Pre-bid Conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the Pre-bid Conference.
Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff
Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No.1‑2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WDBE participation goal of 20 percent.
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JUNE 21 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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DEFENDER | JUNE 21 | 2018
sports
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World Cup fever grips soccer fans
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By MAX EDISON Defender
ment began June 14. Now that you have the prerequisite background info down, here’s a snapshot of four of the top teams in this year’s competition. The U.S. team failed to qualify, but knowledge of these teams will at least allow you to partici-
he World Cup is currently being played in Russia through July 15. Imagine the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals all rolled into one – that’s the World Cup. What makes it so popular? It is global in its dynamic and unlike American championship sporting events, it is truly the world’s game. For the benefit of those who don’t follow international soccer let’s go over some basics. Soccer – or football as it’s generally known outside of the U.S. – is the No. 1 sport in the world. From the smallest villages to the largest cities around the globe, soccer is king. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body of global soccer. Its membership now comprises 211 national asBrazil has won five World Cup titles and its current team is ranked No. 2. sociations. FIFA membership encompasses six regional confederations into which the world is divided: Africa; Asia and Australia; Europe; North and Central America and the Caribbean; Oceania and South America. This brings us to the World Cup 2018. The Cup is the international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of FIFA. Unlike American professional sports championships, it is held every four years to determine a true world champion. The final tournament involves 32 national teams, which include 31 teams determined through qualifying competitions and the France is ranked No. 7 and last won a World Cup 20 years ago. automatically qualified host team. pate in any water cooler banter at work. The 2018 version of the World Cup is the Spain is one of only eight countries ever 21st edition and will be played in some 12 ven- to have won the FIFA World Cup, capturing ues in 11 different Russian cities. The tournathe trophy in 2010 in South Africa. They are
ranked No. 10 in the world by FIFA. Spain will be playing in Group B along with Portugal, Morocco and Iran. Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique anchor a tough defense along with goalkeeper David de Gea. Offensively, expect Andres Iniesta, Isco, Diego Costa and Alvaro Morato to key a potent Spanish attack. France is currently the seventh ranked team according to FIFA. The French team won its first and only World Cup title in 1998, when they hosted the Cup. They will play in Group C along with Australia, Denmark and Peru. France on paper looks like an extremely strong team and it is definitely among the top two teams in the competition. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Thomas Lemar, and Olivier Giroud make the team look extremely strong. Germany has won four World Cup titles, most recently in 2014. They are currently ranked No. 1 by FIFA. They will play in Group F along with Mexico, Sweden and Korea Republic. The defending World Cup champion was the only team to have won all its matches in the qualifiers and finished with an astonishing goal difference of +39. The team is extremely strong both on paper and on the field. The German team is known for its precision and this squad is phenomenally strong. Brazil has won five World Cup titles, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. They are ranked No. 2 by FIFA. Brazil will be in Group E with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica. The team doesn’t have any apparent weakness. With Marcelo, Filipe Luis, Thiago Silva and Miranda one can’t ask for a better defensive line-up coming into the World Cup. Philippe Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar give opponents fits offensively.
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JUNE 21 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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Former basketball star T.J. Ford inspires youth
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By JODIE B. JILES Defender
asketball had a profound impact on T.J. Ford’s life. Now, the former NBA point guard is helping other youth benefit from the game through the T.J. Ford Basketball Academy (TJFBA), a program for area boys and girls. The program provides a platform for athletes who are committed to honing their basketball skills while striving for success in other areas of life. TJFBA gives participants an opportunity to play Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball. AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, multi-sport event organizations in the world, and is dedicated to amateur sports and physical fitness programs. Ford was a standout at Willowridge High School and helped lead the team to two state basketball titles. At the University of Texas, he won Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors, the Naismith College Player of the Year Award, John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award and was named Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated. After two seasons at UT, Ford was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks and went on to play with the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs. He retired at age 28 after aggravating his spine in a game (he has spinal stenosis) and didn’t want to risk paralysis with a future incident. In an interview with the Defender, Ford talked about TJFBA and other matters. Defender: What is the process for getting involved with T.J. Ford Basketball? Ford: T.J. Ford Basketball is more of a training program. We lead and give kids opportunities to play AAU basketball. They go through a training program that typically starts in September and ends in December. From there we will end up having tryouts for kids participating and then we’ll put kids on teams depending on how many coaches we have for the season. Defender: How has AAU evolved into what it is today? Ford: AAU is a good platform that allows kids to continue stay active and build the necessary tools that allows them to try and get a true experience in team bonding, self-motivation, dealing with adversity, building and creating relationships. It helps keep a lot of kids off the streets. I think
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it’s good for them to enjoy basketball. Defender: Based on your experiences, what are some of the benefits and drawbacks of participating in AAU basketball today? Ford: No drawbacks at all. You’re keeping kids off the streets, you’re keeping them active, you’re keeping them around positivity and you’re giving kids the experience to see the world through basketball. So, I see nothing but positive things that go with AAU basketball. Defender: What do you think about the recent decision by the NFL owners regarding players protesting? Ford: It comes down to the players being able to get on the same page and having one mission for what they believe is right as far as being colleagues. I think it is a matter of those guys understanding what they want to stand for as a group – it doesn’t matter your race or ethnicity. It’s just whether those guys can have one mission statement. I think that’s the difference between football and our sport, basketball.
Astros road warriors A funny thing happened to the Astros recently as they embarked on a 10-game road trip. They won all 10 games. Texas, Oakland and Kansas City provided the competition and the Astros mowed them all down. The wins improved the team’s record to a Major Leaguebest 29-11 on the road. During the streak, the Astros outscored their opponents 81-4, and reached double-digit hits nine times, including seven games in a row. They’ve scored at least six runs in seven consecutive games, matching the third-longest streak in club history. “The winning streak is great, man,” said shortstop Carlos Correa. “We’re on a long road trip and away from our families for 10 days; winning every single game makes it a lot better. Hopefully we can go home and keep grinding and keep playing the way we’ve been playing.”
Texans extend McKinney The Houston Texans signed fourth-year inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney to a contract extension. The deal is reportedly $50 million for five years with $21 million guaranteed. His annual salary will be $10 million. McKinney (6-feet-4, 260 pounds), 25, was drafted by Houston with the 11th pick of the second round (43rd overall) in the 2015 NFL draft out of Mississippi State. “Benardrick plays a key role in our defense and has been highly productive, but more importantly he is a core player who has developed into a team leader within our program,” said Texans General Manager Brian Gaine. “We are excited to have him as a part of our long-term future here.”
Magnolia pair drafted Native Houstonian T.J. Ford wants area kids to benefit from basketball.
Magnolia High School baseball standouts Jordan Groshans and Adam Kloffenstein were selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. Groshans, a shortstop/third baseman, was the 12th overall pick in the first round of the draft. Kloffenstein, a righthanded pitcher, was taken in the third round with the No. 88 pick. Groshans and Kloffenstein led Magnolia to the Class 5A Region III quarterfinals under head coach Taylor Shiflett. Groshans is committed to Kansas, but said he plans to sign with Toronto and forego a collegiate career. Kloffenstein was originally committed to TCU and was set to honor that pledge until Toronto offered him nearly $2 million more than the $650,000 slotted amount for the 88th pick. The Blue Jays and Kloffenstein agreed to a deal. Both Groshans and Kloffenstein are looking forward to being teammates again on the professional level. “Adam is like a brother to me,” Groshans said. “We argue and fight sometimes but at the end of the day, it’s a competitive relationship.”
Pitcher goes to Mets Righthanded pitcher Simeon Woods-Richardson of Kempner High School was the 48th pick of the second round by the New York Mets during the MLB draft. The University of Texas signee wasn’t expecting to be selected so early and was at a draft watch party with his family when his agent called to tell him the news. “We had no idea that was going to happen. I have a lot of thinking to do,” WoodsRichardson said.
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DEFENDER | JUNE 21 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
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WHO’S WHO IN BLACK HOUSTON 2018……..Friends and family of senatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke and more. Others in attendance were some of Houston’s most influential movers and shakers gathered to honor Houston Community College Trustee Dr. Carolyn Shabazz Jones, HISD members of Who’s Who in Black Houston 2018. Each year, WWBH spotlights Trustee Jolanda Jones, interim HISD Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan, individuals from various professions and walks of life who are making a Darius Gilbert, Jalinn Smith, Adrianne Walker, Danny Norris, A.J. positive impact on the Bayou City. With Mayor Sylvester Turner on hand Dallas, Councilmember Amanda Edwards and more.…….. MO CITY at the George R. Brown Convention Center, this year’s class was honored. JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS……..The Missouri Attendees included WWBH head Dr. Carter Womack, Bo Porter, Mary City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation hosted three free events as Benton, Dr. CeCe Cook, Ashley Betts, Dr. Austin Lane, part of its 16th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: the “It Dr. Elwyn Lee, Desrye Morgan, Vernita Harris, Takasha Defender TOP EVENTS Takes a Village” Community Art Exhibit; “One Mile Francis, Denotra Logan, Anthony Freddie, Melinda More photos on defendernetwork.com of Smiles” Parade; and Festival Under the Stars which Spaulding and many more……..MAYOR TURNER’S featured recording artists Chante Moore and Howard ACRES HOMES JUNETEENTH PARADE…….. Hewett. Also performing and hyping up the crowd was Mayor Turner’s annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade started at the Acres Katumbella, an international singer from Angola. The food, fun, games Homes Multi Service Center, and featured marching bands, dancing groups, and music were enjoyed by children and adults alike. Attendees included horses, floats, University of Houston football players and vintage cars, as festival organizer Derrick Woods, Charles and Brielle Terrell, Oscar well as several special guests. They included gospel singer Brian Courtney McGarr, Frances Payne, Fandenia Greigg, Pastor Dennis Young, Wilson, the UniverSoul Circus, boxing star Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe, Wanda Anderson, Missouri City Councilman Jeffrey Boney, Wendell former Rocket great Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, Congressman and Texas Manigault, Regina Smith and scores more.
Dr. CeCe Cook, Calicia Johnson, Leslie Viehland
Desrye Morgan, Verneta Harris, Dr. Carter Womack, Tracey Prince
Bo Porter, Dr. Austin Lane
Keiana James, Jakeccia Tatum, Jalinn Smith
Derrick Woods, Howard Hewett, Councilmember Jeffrey Boney
Houston City Councilmembers Amanda Edwards, Karla Cisneros and Jack Christie
Chelsee Meyers, Frances Payne, Dakota Green
Darius Gilbert, Emeke Egbule, Tariq Freeny
Fandenia Greigg, Kallie Walters, Sabrina Thomas
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