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Volume 85 | Number 34 JUNE 23, 2016 | FREE
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NEWSTALK COUNCILMAN DWIGHT BOYKINS promotes MLK Blvd. facelift
P2 CENTERFOLD HIV TESTING DAY June 27 can save lives
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Dwayne Johnson & Kevin Hart
HS ZONE ANDREW HYACINTH provides memorable moment
‘CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE’
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H PAGE 4
Sen. Rodney Ellis
Willard Jackson
Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis seems positioned to win the Democratic nomination for Harris County Precinct One Commissioner, replacing the late El Franco Lee. See Ellis’ message to supporters. Read about his potential successors.
Former Texas Southern University regent Willard Jackson is cofounder and chairman of the Austin firm that made headlines by purchasing Ebony and Jet magazines. Learn about Jackson’s partner in the company and his other ventures.
projected to win
H PAGE 2
TOP EVENTS
invests in Ebony
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Judson Robinson III and Argentina James at Houston Area Urban League annual gala
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DEFENDER | JUNE 23 | 2016
newstalk
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Ellis set to win County spot Defender News Service
City officials and concerned citizens promote beautification efforts for MLK Blvd.
MLK Blvd. getting facelift Beautification, reconstruction and cleanup efforts are slated for MLK Blvd., with funds coming from ReBuild Houston, the city’s “payas-you-go” initiative designed to improve mobility for residents by rebuilding drainage and street infrastructure. “There will also be improvements to drainage and the storm sewer system within and around the vicinity of this project,” District D Councilmember Dwight Boykins said. City Council recently approved over $21 million in funding for the reconstruction of more than 7,400 linear feet of concrete pavement roadway, plus sidewalks, street lighting, underground utilities, and other beautification efforts along MLK.
The funds are allocated for the improvements on a “worst first” basis. “That money that you pay out of your water bill, this is what’s paying for this street. It’s a Rebuild Houston project out of dedicated street and drainage funds,” Boykins added. The project also includes the planting of trees and the purchase of a solid waste heavy trash collection vehicle for District D to clean up illegal dumping, which is helpful as the state recently increased the penalties for illegal dumping. “These are the new rules: if you are caught, you will pay a $4,000 fine and serve up to 30 days in the Harris County jail,” Boykins said.
Free summer meals at HISD schools This summer, children 18 and under can enjoy a free breakfast and lunch at 258 HISD schools through the district’s Summer Meals Program which runs through July 15. Children do not need to be enrolled in summer school to participate in the program or be an HISD student. There is no paperwork, registration or proof of
income required to participate. Adults can also participate by purchasing breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.25. Last summer, HISD Nutrition Services served more than 1.4 million free meals to Houston-area children. Visit www.houstonisd.org/freesummermeals or call 713-491-5944 for more information.
Now that State Sen. Rodney Ellis appears positioned to secure the Democratic nomination for Harris County Precinct One Commissioner, questions arise regarding his agenda and the political fallout to come as individuals jockey for his soon-to-be vacant legislative seat. Ellis is said to have already secured the support of 65 of the 125 precinct chairs who will officially vote on June 25 for the candidate they want to represent the Democratic Party in the November election that will name the replacement of longtime Commissioner El Franco Lee, who died in January. "To these 65 precinct chairs, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. And to State Sen. Rodney Ellis those who have yet to make a decision, I will continue to work hard to earn your vote," Ellis said in a statement. If Ellis indeed has enough support to assume Lee’s seat, other candidates will be vying for Ellis’ state senate spot. Names being mentioned as potential candidates include State Reps. Senfronia Thompson and Borris Miles. There is still the issue of the June 25 vote which will determine Lee’s successor, as the official Democratic nominee will be running unopposed in November. Commissioner Gene Locke, who was appointed to finish Lee's term, is seen as Ellis' top opponent heading into the June 25 vote. Win or lose, Locke will stay in the seat until mid-January. Others officially and unofficially vying for the seat include City Councilmember Dwight Boykins and entrepreneur Georgia Provost. Ellis recently secured the endorsement of Lee’s widow, Kaye Lee, via written statement.
localbriefs A FEDERAL PROPOSAL could abate local flooding woes. According to recent data, Harris County had 96 days with reports of flooding or flash flooding from 1996 through 2015, with at least one report of flooding for each of those years. The Harris County Flood Control District has a number of projects under construction, including H.R. 5025, the 2016 Tax Day Floods Supplemental Funding Act, bipartisan legislation that would appropriate $311 million for flood control projects in the Houston area. The funds would be available until 2026………TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY is receiving $93,000 in grants for STEM study from
the Texas Workforce Commission. The TWC has awarded more than $1.8 million to 27 colleges and universities to host STEM camps, which focus on science, technology, engineering and math and help prepare students for future high-skill, high-demand jobs.……THE HISD BOARD OF EDUCATION approved a 2016-2017 budget that seeks to minimize the classroom impact of the loss of an estimated $162 million in local taxes to the Texas school finance system. Houston schools will lose an estimated $162 million in local tax dollars to the state if the current school finance system remains unchanged for another year. In addition,
HISD projects to lose $257 million in local taxes to the state in 2017-2018. In an effort to lessen the budget impact on classrooms as much as possible, the approved budget contains $84.3 million in cuts to central office staffing and districtwide programs……..INCOME INEQUALITY IN TEXAS is higher than the national average. New data from the Economic Policy Institute shows that Texas ranks No. 8 of 50 states in income inequality. The minimum annual income to be in the top one percent is $389,436, the average annual income of the top one percent is $1,153,293, and the average annual income of the bottom 99 percent is $45,567.
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national
U.S.briefs U.S. SENATORS couldn’t muster enough bipartisan support to pass a series of gun control measures, the latest in a long string of failed attempts at enacting tighter curbs on firearms in the United States. Spurred by the Orlando mass murder, senators from each party introduced the measures they said would have strengthened background checks and prevented suspected terrorists from obtaining weapons. But tough election-year politics, paired with disputes over the effectiveness of each party’s ideas, proved too powerful to break the longstanding partisan gridlock that’s surrounded gun issues for years. Among those fighting in favor of gun control was Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who introduced H.R. 5470, the Stop Mass Killings by Violent Terrorists Act….…. THE SUPREME COURT is giving police more power in searches. A divided court bolstered police powers recently, ruling that evidence of a crime in some cases may be used against a defendant even if the police did something wrong or illegal in obtaining it. The 5-3 decision drew heated dissents from liberal justices who warned that the outcome would encourage police to violate people’s rights….… .A GOP CONGRESSMAN wants to defund the Harriet Tubman $20 bill. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) has filed legislation that would block the U.S. Treasury Department from putting Tubman on the $20 bill. King is perhaps best known in the nation’s capital for his antiimmigration rhetoric and his hostility toward undocumented immigrants. But this takes his forays into racial politics in a new direction. The congressman introduced an amendment that would bar the Treasury Department from spending any funds to redesign paper money or coin currency. If approved, the language would nullify the treasury’s plans to replace the current image of President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with a portrait of a Black woman after generations of white men on money.
VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 34 JUNE 23, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby
Editors Aswad Walker Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers ReShonda Billingsley Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Payday lenders scamming to get over on consumers Defender News Service
A new report says that in Texas and other states, payday lending companies are using any means necessary to skirt state-level regulations created to protect consumers from their abusive practices – practices that impact Blacks and Latinos disproportionately. A House Financial Services Committee Democratic staff report, “Skirting the Law: Five Tactics Payday Lenders Use to Evade State Consumer Protection Laws,” shows how payday lenders are able to circumvent state regulations and put consumers at risk. In Texas, payday lenders pose as separate, “middlemen” companies between the customer and the lender. But the payday lender is actually both the middleman and the lender, and can charge more in interest and fees by acting as if they are not connected. This shell game allows them to exceed the state’s 10 percent cap on personal loans. In Ohio, Florida, California, and Colorado, payday lenders use different tactics to achieve the same result. “Far too many Americans are being taken advantage of by payday lenders who charge exorbitant rates and trap them in a never-ending cycle of debt,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters, ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee. “What this report tells us is that even in states that have attempted to curb abusive payday lending, harm-
ful practices still exist. That’s why we need a strong and effective national standard that will protect all Americans.” According to the Center for Responsible Lending, payday lenders are eight times more likely to be located in Black and Latino neighborhoods than in white neighborhoods, a trend Houston Congressman Al Green calls predatory. Green believes federal regulations will provide relief. “Federal regulations can be more successful than state-level regulations because federal regulations provide national standards to protect all consumers the same, while still allowing states to add even stronger guidelines on top of the federal standards,” he said.
Ebony, Jet sold to Texas group Shock of the recent sale of Ebony and Jet after a 71-year run under family-owned Johnson Publishing is fading as information about the company that acquired the iconic magazines becomes clearer. Clear View Group, the new owner of Ebony and Jet, is an Austin-based private equity firm, described as African-American-owned. Michael Gibson, the firm’s co-founder and chairman, has over 25 years of experience developing and running corporations. Houstonian and former Texas Southern University regent Willard Jackson is co-founder and vice chairman of the firm. Jackson, 52, said, “We see bringing additional programs, activations, events, content…we want to offer different ways to provide content to the existing readership. We see really expanding the digital platform.” Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing in Chicago and daughter of the late founder
John H. Johnson, said she was hearing “positive “things” about the sale. “First of all, it's really wonderful that this is an African-American investment group. So you have two African-American companies coming together and doing business with each other,” she said. Johnson Rice will retain the title of chair of the older company and take a position on the board of the new entity. Johnson Publishing will retain its Fashion Fair Cosmetics business and its historic Ebony photo archives, which remains up for sale. This purchase is Clear View’s first venture into the publishing business. "We made this purchase because this is an iconic brand – it's the most-recognized brand in the AfricanAmerican community," Gibson said. "We just think this is a great opportunity for us."
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DEFENDER | JUNE 23 | 2016 defendernetwork.com
entertainment
Hart, Johnson star in ‘Central Intelligence’ Box office stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart team up in the film “Central Intelligence.”
Defender News Services
Fresh off an impressive opening weekend, there is already talk of a sequel for “Central Intelligence,” the comedy which teams two of Hollywood’s hottest commodities – Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The movie chronicles the crossing paths of two people who were friends in high school. Johnson’s character was the chubby kid in school that everyone picked on, everyone but Hart’s character. It was that helpful act in high school that endeared Johnson’s character to Hart’s. Fast forward to their adult years, it is Johnson who is now coming to Hart’s rescue as a big-time agent for the CIA. While reflecting on their own real-life high school experiences, Hart and Johnson provided vastly different memories. “My worst high school memory was definitely my moms whupping me in front of my ninth-grade class,” Hart said, for changing all the clocks in the house and making his mother arrive at work two hours early. Johnson’s memory was equally traumatic. “I definitely was a delinquent in the ninth grade, getting arrested,” Johnson said. “The cops wanted me for something, and they came into my classroom. That was embarrassing.” On why the movie has become a fast hit, Hart identified chemistry and work ethic. “Dwayne was above and beyond a pleasure to work with. You’re looking at a guy who’s a true professional, who approached his work day as one of the best. He brought chemistry, and an amazing work ethic.” “And my good looks,” added Johnson. Central Intelligence earned $34.5 million during its opening weekend.
Rudolph continues to shine By ASWAD WALKER Defender
Maya Rudolph is on top of the world, doing what she loves, and doing it well. Currently, Rudolph stars in NBC’s summer series “Maya and Marty in Manhattan,” a variety, skit-driven show co-starring Martin Short. The fact that Short, a comedy superstar, is the Robin to Rudolph’s Batman speaks to how much audiences love her mix of high- and low-brow humor. “I like comedy as a group sport,” said Rudolph, who was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” for eight seasons. Known originally to many as the daughter of singer Minnie Riperton, who died of breast cancer in 1979, Rudolph grew up to become a star in her own right. Maya Rudolph and Martin Short She and her brother Marc were raised by their Jewish father, music producer Richard Rudolph. As a child, Maya sang and appeared in local theater. First and foremost, a comedian, Rudolph has compiled an impressive film resume, with roles in blockbusters (“Bridesmaids” and “Grown Ups”) and small, independent films alike. Her iconic impressions of Whitney Houston, Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey during her memorable run on SNL gave the world a glimpse of Rudolph’s natural humor. No matter how high her star rises, Rudolph makes time to do cameos and voice work on some of the silliest, most obscure shows on TV, as well as hit animated movies like “Big Hero 6,” “The Angry Birds Movie” and “Turbo.” Yet, this mother of four successfully juggles her private life with her professional one – which includes singing in the Prince cover band, Princess – by staying grounded and relatable. “I don’t look my best when I wake up. But I do feel beautiful when I’m tired and happy and I’ve had a good laugh and a glass of champagne,” she said.
what’sup Two music execs have been named to oversee PRINCE’S assets. The entertainment assets of Prince’s estate will be managed by two key figures in his career. L. Londell McMillan, the artist’s longtime attorney, manager and friend, and business executive Charles A. Koppelman have been chosen for the task by the court-approved special administrator…….Gospel singer MALI MUSIC sparked controversy when he implied that the Orlando mass shooting victims didn’t make it into heaven. During a recent concert, the 28-yearold Mali asked the crowd, “Anybody want to make it into heaven? There was about, um, thirty couple
of people who went to a place a couple of nights ago, and they wasn’t expecting to be thinking about heaven too soon.” Many interpreted his comments to mean that the victims didn’t make it into heaven because they were at a gay bar. He was also blasted for the dismissive way in which he described the victims……..Former Miss Texas Southern University MARINDA FRUGÉ has been elected to represent the District of Columbia in the Miss Black U.S. Ambassador Program. Frugé will compete in the national pageant in July. The Houston native currently resides in D.C.……. LIL WAYNE is recovering from seizures. The
rapper said the two seizures he suffered recently occurred because he hadn’t been taking his medicine for epilepsy, not from obscene amounts of the cough syrup mixture “sizzurp” he was spotted downing before falling ill. The rapper’s private jet was forced to make two emergency landings in Omaha when he suffered the seizures. After being taken to a hospital, he was treated and released. As for why he wasn’t taking his medicine, Wayne’s rep says he went to a pharmacy in Milwaukee but they didn’t have the medicine in stock. He wrongly assumed he could do without it for a few days.
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Morehouse study reveals Blacks’ heart issues Defender News Services
Significant barriers remain between Blacks and adequate treatments for optimal heart health according to a Morehouse School of Medicine study. Blacks are 20 times more likely than whites to develop heart failure before the age of 50 and have higher death rates too. Moreover, when African-Americans are hospitalized for heart failure, they have a 45 percent greater risk of death or decline in functional status than whites. There is no question that African-Americans have been – and continue to be – greatly impacted by cardiovascular diseases. In the U.S., one in every four deaths annually is caused by heart disease. And heart failure is the only major cardiovascular disorder on the rise. Heart failure, however, does not mean the heart stops working and death comes instantly. Rather, it is a condition that develops over time and means the heart cannot pump enough blood
to meet the body's needs. Symptoms can include shortness of breath during normal day-to-day activities, weight gain with swelling in the feet, legs, ankles, or stomach, and difficulty breathing when lying down. Nearly six million Americans are living
with this progressive illness, but African-Americans in particular are disproportionately impacted, and for several reasons. First, key research suggests that physiological differences or specific genetic factors may play a role in heart failure. The bottom-left chamber of AfricanAmericans' hearts has more instances of abnormalities and enlargement than those of white patients. Second, a person's chance of developing heart failure can increase if they suffer from other health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, or consume a high fat, high cholesterol diet, all of which are prevalent conditions in AfricanAmericans. Third, ongoing healthcare disparities play a role, according to the Morehouse report. Most are familiar with the long and painful history of African-Americans not receiving optimal healthcare. But even with improved care, Blacks are overall less trusting of doctors, leading to less care, according to a 2015 Emory University study.
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HIV
DEFENDER | JUNE 23 | 2016
cente
& Houston
Blacks urged to get tested By ASWAD WALKER Defender
N
ational HIV Testing Day is Monday, June 27, and Black Houstonians are encouraged to get tested for the disease on that day and beyond. It’s estimated that one in 53 Black Houstonians is currently living with the disease and 20 percent (one in five) of people infected with HIV don’t even know they have it. On the bright side, Houston’s national ranking in terms of incidents of HIV is lower than researchers would expect for a city with an estimated 2 million residents, which places it as the fourth largest city in the country. “Houston ranks eighth in terms of HIV, which is not as high as you would think given our size,” said Kathy Barton, a spokesperson for the City of Houston Health Department. Still, every seven hours a new Houstonian is added to the list of those who have contracted HIV, a condition which impacts Blacks disproportionately. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely. So once you have HIV, you have it for life. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Among those at greatest risk for HIV infection
are youth and young adults, African-Americans and the LGBT community. Of the 27,000 individuals known to be living with HIV in Harris County/Houston, the chances that they live in a predominantly Black neighborhood are disturbingly high. “In Houston, the Sunnyside area has the highest incidents of HIV,” Barton said. In years past, that distinction fell to Houston’s historic Third Ward, which led the city in HIV rates. One reason for the lowered incidents of HIV in Third Ward and for the lower-than-expected national ranking is the strategies employed by the city’s Health Department to increase the number of Houstonians tested for HIV. “We have put in place several strategies to get more testing done in the city,” said Barton. “One of
those strategies that has been most successful is emergency room testing protocols. Patients admitted to local emergency rooms used to have to give consent to be tested for HIV. “Now, however, things are reversed. Patients have to provide consent not to be tested, which has resulted in way more people
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defendernetwork.com • Serving th
erfold
etting tested.”
rotect yourself
Yet, only 21 percent of all Houstonians ve been tested for HIV and know their status, and e educated on ways to protect themselves against IV infection. Several organizations work to change this real-
he Houston area for over 85 years
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Get tested now In advance of National HIV Testing Day, Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS are partnering with Legacy Community Health and the AIDS Foundation of Houston to provide free HIV testing. Testing will be held Friday, June 24 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at three local Walgreens stores: 3317 Montrose, 3822 Old Spanish Trail, 200 W. 20th. Visit www.greaterthan.org/ walgreens. Harris Health System regularly provides free HIV testing Monday through Friday. No appointment is required, and testing is completely confidential and done via an oral swab, where no blood is drawn. You must be 13 years of age or older to be tested. Locations are Ben Taub Hospital Emergency Center, 713-873-2649; LBJ Hospital Emergency Center, 713-566-2178; and Thomas Street Health Center, 713-873-4157. An extensive list of HIV testing locations in Houston and across the state of Texas can be found at www. dshs.state.tx.us.
ity. One such organization is AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH). AFH is home to targeted mobilization strategies that educate and test anyone seeking testing, but specifically individuals who are members of the high HIV incidents groups, reducing the chance of transmission in these highly affected communities. According to the AFH website, the organization’s testing team currently offers free walk-in HIV and syphilis testing every Monday and Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the office located at 6260 Westpark, Suite 100. No appointment is necessary for testing done during those times. Free testing is also available by appointment Wednesday through Friday. AIDS Foundation Houston is one of the community partners working with Walgreens to promote National HIV Testing Day. Four local Walgreens locations will offer free testing through June 25. Moreover, AFH offers multiple programs that provide both additional testing opportunities and educational initiatives to better inform Houstonians about HIV. AFH’s Prison Initiative provides HIV/STD education to incarcerated men and women in over 100 prisons across the state of Texas. Through 1,590 trained peer educators, 80,000
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Five testing facts
1
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. About one in eight people in the United States who have HIV don’t know they have it.
2
People with certain risk factors should get tested more often, including men who have sex with other men, people who have had sex with an HIV-positive partner, people who have injected drugs and shared needles, people who have exchanged sex for drugs or money and people who have been diagnosed with hepatitis or tuberculosis.
3
Anyone who has been sexually assaulted should get an HIV test as soon as possible after the assault and should consider postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), taking antiretroviral medicines after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected.
4
The time between when a person gets HIV and when a test can accurately detect it is called the window period, and varies from person to person and also depends upon the type of HIV test. Most HIV tests are antibody tests. The soonest an antibody test will detect infection is three weeks.
5
Being HIV-positive does not mean you have AIDS, which is the most advanced stage of HIV disease. HIV can lead to AIDS if not treated. Visit www.cdc.gov for more information.
incarcerated men and women receive life-saving information and skills each year, reaching half the Texas prison system population. Focus on Youth (FOY) is an AFH initiative that targets African-American youth, ages 12-15, and uses fun, interactive activities to give youth and their parents the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves from HIV and other STDs. “Young people aged 13-29 account for 39 percent of all new HIV infections. To reduce the rate of new infection among young people in our community we must create an educational environment beginning at home,” says the foundation. In addition, the city Health Department has a mission to “work in partnership with the community to assess, plan, and implement effective public health strategies to reduce the spread of HIV, viral Hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases.” The department’s functions include maximizing opportunities to screen for multiple communicable diseases whenever possible, investigating newly reported cases of HIV and linking individuals to needed HIV and STD services. Visit www.aidshelp.org or www.houstontx.gov for more information.
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DEFENDER | JUNE 23 | 2016
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Five ways to grow your business this summer
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re you looking for ideas to incorporate the summer season into your marketing plans this year? Whether it’s a busy or quiet time for your business, here are some tips from the SBA. 1. Take your business into the fresh air. Don’t wait for your customers to come to you; look for ways to get in front of them. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant or provide a service to customers, you can host a cookout or take part in local markets, events and fairs. If you are in the food business, taking a concession stand on the road is a great way to earn money and give new customers a taste of what you have to offer. 2. Hold a themed week or day. Like restaurant week or Small Business Saturday, think of ways to showcase what your business does for one week or one day only. Partner with complementary businesses and co-market each other’s products, services and specials with fliers, coupons and teasers. Come up with a theme like “Take a Staycation with Us.” 3. Give back to the community. Projects
customers. Send out newsletters that showcase your summer specials, but mix it up with good content – summer fashion tips, recipes or pet care in the heat. Branded goods such as Frisbees, beach balls and drink coolers will ensure your logo is in front of customers all summer long. 5. Drum up business with promotions. If summer is a slow season for your business, consider offering financial incentives to increase foot traffic. Options include discounts on certain products and services, package promotions and off-peak specials. in the community are a great way to build your brand and give back. Why not organize or sponsor a community service day or charitable event? Pick a cause that’s a good fit for your business and reach out to the media, in addition to your own marketing. You can also deduct certain expenses related to volunteer work or charitable giving. 4. “Summer-ize” your marketing activities. From your website to your email newsletter, look for ways to incorporate summer themes and information that are relevant to your
What is an EIN and why is it important? One of the key responsibilibusiness. This will ensure required to obtain one if they ties for many new businesses or there are no delays in getting operate as a corporation or businesses that are restructurthe appropriate licenses or partnership. ing is obtaining an employer financing that you may need “Securing an EIN is a identification number, or EIN, to operate. necessary step to establishing from the IRS. Nwatu said an EIN is your business and will ultineeded by any business that An EIN is a unique ninemately help in keeping your retains employees. Howdigit number that identifies regulatory, legal and financial your business for tax purever, non-employers are also matters in order,” she said. poses. It’s similar to a Social Security number but is The Ryan White Planning Council Invites You to Meet meant for business Houston Public Leaders and Give Public Comment on… related items only. “As a business Ryan White Part A, Part B & State Services owner, you’ll need Priority Rankings and Allocations for 2017 an EIN to open Also learn about… a business bank Findings from the 2016 Project LEAP Class Special Study account, apply for business licenses Monday, June 27, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. and file your tax returns,” said This televised Public Hearing will be held at the Ijeoma Nwatu, a Houston City Hall Annex - City Council Chambers digital strategy 900 Bagby Street, Public Level - Free Parking in Back and communicaWatch LIVE on the following channels: Comcast 16, tions consultant with the SBA. TV Max 16, Phonoscope 2, Suddenlink 14 and U-Verse 99 “It’s helpful Ryan White Planning Council Office of Support to apply for one 2223 West Loop South, Suite 240; Houston, TX 77027 713 572-3724 713 572-3740 713 572-2813 as soon as you www.rwpcHouston.org start planning your
4.79”W x 3.25”H
classified Invitation for Bids Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is bidding the Capers Ridge Pump Station and Raw Water Intake Project for the Coastal Water Authority in Houston on June 24 @ 10AM CST. We are seeking qualified M/W/ SBE firms. The work includes but is not limited to: Foundation Piling, Excavation, Concrete, Metals, Painting, Plumbing & HVAC, Instrumentation and Electrical. Plans and specifications are available at https://www.coastalwaterauthority.org/contractor-outreach/luce-bayou-project/ documents. Interested bidders should contact Estimating @ 703-5866100; Fax 703-586-6101; EOE
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JUNE 23 | 2016 | DEFENDER
Street Olympics Lee's legacy The legacy of the late Commissioner El Franco Lee lives on through the competition and character-building activities of the Harris County Street Olympics’ Summer Games. Lee founded the games 30 years ago to honor and support area youth. During this year’s games, participants are honoring Lee by supporting his vision of a summer filled with positive youth activities. During the games’ official 2016 kickoff, the first without Lee, current Harris County Precinct One County Commissioner Gene Locke reaffirmed the uniqueness of the event. “I’m looking at these beautiful children and I know Commissioner Lee is looking at them, too,” he said. “And I know that his spirit is warm this morning because he sees the future for these children.” For the next eight weeks, children at about 50 Street Olympics participating community agencies will compete for the chance to participate in the final event in August at NRG Arena.
Defender Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Photo Contest
WINNERS
CONGRATULATIONS!
The late El Franco Lee enriched young lives through the Street Olympics.
Kenneth Davis 1st Place $300
Ron Reynolds 2nd Place $200
Cederick Tardy 3rd Place $100
Thank You for entering
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DEFENDER | JUNE 23 | 2016
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sports
Honors roll in for SWAC standouts
T
By MAX EDISON Defender
he SWAC baseball season has come to an end, but some of the conference’s top players are receiving national accolades. The American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings’ NCAA Division I South Central All-Region group selected Grambling second baseman Larry Barraza, Jackson State catcher Carlos Diaz and Alabama State outfielder Carlos Ocasio and pitcher Joseph Camacho to the 13-member second team for their outstanding performances on the field during the 2016 season. In addition, Alabama State freshman Eriq White was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Larry Barraza, Grambling Freshman All-America Second Team. Barraza, a Huntington Park, Calif., native, posted a .359 average (65-of-181) as he made 43 starts in 45 appearances for Grambling. Barraza notched the league’s third-most doubles (17), fifth in home runs (9) and tallied the tenth-best batting average. The All-SWAC Second Team selection also collected two triples, 46 RBI and picked up seven stolen bases in 10 attempts for the Tigers. Camacho, from El Paso, Texas, also collected NCBWA All-America Second Team and Louisville Slugger All-American honors after posting a 10-1 record with a 2.35 ERA in 15 games with 13 starts and one save. Camacho threw three complete games and two shutouts in earning SWAC Pitcher of the Year honors for the third straight year as well as first-team all-conference honors in helping lead the Hornets to their first SWAC Championship in program history. Diaz, a native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, was one of the Tigers' top performers at the plate. Diaz started in each of his 48 appearances mainly behind the plate and maintained a .409 batting average. He recorded 50 runs, 70 hits, 14 doubles, two triples, and six home runs for a .620 slugging percentage. With 171 at-bats, Diaz collected 57 RBIs and 106 total bases. The junior catcher received several other honors for his effort this season, which include being named to the Johnny Bench Watch list as well as All-Conference Second Team honoree. Ocasio, a Palm Bay, Fla., native, hit .330 this
Joseph Cam
acho, Alaba
ma State
Carlos Ocasio, Alabama State
Carlos Diaz (R), Jackson State
Eriq White, Alabama State
season with 13 home runs and 60 RBI. Named 2016 SWAC Player and Hitter of the Year as well as firstteam all-conference honors, Ocasio was third in the league in home runs and tied for third in RBIs. He tied for the league lead in runs scored (62), was sixth in hits (61), second in total bases (124), and ninth in both slugging percentage (.593) and stolen bases (19). White, from Snellville, Ga., earned freshman second team honors by the NCBWA after hitting .346 this season with three home runs and 41 RBI. White, the SWAC’s Freshman of the Year while earning firstteam all-SWAC honors, played in all 55 games with 54 starts. He was ninth in the SWAC in hits (66), scoring 47 runs with a .441 on-base percentage and a .461 slugging percentage while stealing 10 bases. Earlier this month, White was named Freshman All-America by Louisville Slugger as the Hornets won the SWAC championship for the first time in program history this season.
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JUNE 23 | 2016 | DEFENDER
h.s.zone
sportsbriefs
School year memorable for Houston HS sports
T
By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
he recently completed school year provided a highlight reel for Houston-area high school sports. Championship weekend at NRG Stadium was the platform for three Houston area schools to celebrate winning state football championships. North Shore (Class 6A Division I), Katy (Class 6A Division II) and George Ranch (Class 5A Division I) were the last schools standing in their respective classifications. Perhaps North Shore was the unlikeliest champion of all after suffering a three-game losing streak early in the season. Displaying the grit, fortitude and determination that embody the east Houston petrochemical community, the The Stafford relay team of (l. to r.) Christopher Brantley, James Brown, David Allison and Cameron Montgomery won a silver medal 13-3 Mustangs ended the season with a 12-game winning at state. streak. A decided underdog to once-beaten Austin Westlake in eighth state football title and tie Celina and Southlake Carroll for the title game, North Shore harassed Westlake quarterback the most in Texas high school history. Corey Bethley (DE) was a Sam Ehlinger the entire game and pulled out a 21-14 victory in standout on the Katy defense. overtime. The 16-0 Tigers would later be named national prep Mustangs quarterback Maciah Long scored on two one-yard champions by the MaxPreps Final Top 25 Poll. “This is the best runs and linebacker Andrew Hyacinth returned a fumble 95 yards team I’ve had in all my years at Katy High School,” said head for a touchdown. coach Gary Joseph. “Without the experience of going through that early-season Another highlight during fall sports was Lamar High School adversity, I don’t know if we could have finished this game off,” junior Julia Heymach winning a gold medal at the Class 6A cross said North Shore head coach Jon Kay. country championships. George Ranch completed a 16-0 season with a 56-0 Houston-area schools continued to dominate during spring thrashing of Mansfield Lake Ridge. The Longhorns’ three-headed sports. rushing attack of Darius Anderson, Josh Scruggs and Alex Atascocita and Elkins played in state championship games Fontenot combined for 413 yards and five touchdowns in the in boys’ basketball. Dekaney played for a state title in girls’ championship game. basketball. “We’re still one of those teams that like to establish the The Pearland High School girls advanced to the Class 6A line of scrimmage, run the football and play great defense,” said state title game in softball. George Ranch head coach Ricky However, it was the Tullos, the Touchdown Club of defendernetwork.com Stafford boys in Class 4A Houston’s high school coach of Seasons ended prematurely for and the Fort Bend Marshall the year. No. 1-ranked schools boys in Class 5A that More than 43,000 fans brought home team titles in descended on NRG Stadium track and field. to watch Katy play in its fourth Marshall junior sprinter Shamon consecutive state final. Coming off Ehiemua was the 5A gold medalist in the back-to-back losses to Cedar Hill, 200-meter dash while running legs on the Katy was in no mood for a third Broncos’ two gold medal relay units (4X100, consecutive championship game 4X200). setback. Cameron Montgomery of Led by a defense Stafford was the Class 4A that had only yielded 100-meter dash gold medal 55 points through 15 winner. games, Katy defeated Both Montgomery and Lake Travis 34-7 Ehiemua will return next year. to claim the school’s Andrew Hyacinth
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Josh Scruggs
Springer an All-Star? Astros right fielder George Springer is making a serious bid to land a spot as a reserve outfielder on the AL All-Star team. Springer has been playing outstanding defense, making highlight-style catches while patrolling right field. Since moving to the top of the batting order Springer has been swinging a hot bat and setting the table for All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, now batting second. Despite his outstanding play offensively and defensively Springer remains focused on the bigger picture. “I primarily try to keep my focus on the team objectives,” he said. “We need to get our record back to .500 and beyond. It was a great feeling making it to the playoffs last year and our goal is to get there again.”
UH players acknowledged Fourteen members of the University of Houston football program were named to Athlon Sports’ 2016 All-American Athletic Conference preseason teams. Quarterback Greg Ward Jr., defensive tackle B.J. Singleton, linebacker Steven Taylor and kick returner Brandon Wilson were named to the publication’s first team. Wilson was also named to the league’s second team as a cornerback and was joined on the second team by running back Duke Catalon, receiver Chance Allen and center Will Noble. Receiver Ra’Shaad Samples, offensive tackle Na’Ty Rodgers and defensive end Cameron Malveaux were named to Athlon’s third team while defensive tackle Ed Oliver, linebacker Tyus Bowser and Samples, as a punt returner, were named to the fourth team.
UIL, LGBT at odds The University Interscholastic League (UIL) rule stating a student’s gender is identified by his or her birth certificate is scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 1. District superintendents and athletic directors passed the ruling by a vote of 409-25 last February. Yet LGBT advocates believe the rule violates Title IX and the UIL Constitution. The UIL is part of the University of Texas at Austin and abides by its constitution, which prohibits gender identity discrimination. LGBT advocates are lobbying to allow students to participate in sports under whichever gender they identify with and delay implementation of the new policy. At the UIL’s latest council meeting in Round Rock, the organization opted to table the debate for a later date considering pending litigation.
Split championship added A separate championship has been added for Class A baseball and softball. Class A and Class 2A schools will still be grouped together during district play as was the previous format. However, once the playoffs begin the two classifications will advance to separate postseason brackets with two Class A teams from each district in the playoffs. The commissioner of education must approve passed UIL amendments before they take effect. A pitch count limit is also being discussed for high school baseball. The UIL Medical Advisory Committee recommended limiting players age 17-19 to 110 pitches per game and those 14-16 to 95 pitches. A pitcher could be back on the mound the next day if he threw 30 or fewer pitches. How to enforce the limit remains in question.
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JUNE 23 | 2016 DEFENDER
Happening in Houston
For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
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MOREHOUSE FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH……..The Houston Morehouse Bilbo, Nai Whitaker, Cassie Levy, Dorothy Bowie, Mary Ford, Ramona Franklin, Alumni Association held its fifth annual Father’s Day Brunch at the Doubletree hotel. Judge Maria Jackson, Sally Davis, Dr. Sandra Steen, Milly Kammerdeiner, The brunch honored five distinguished fathers who have made a positive impact on Marie Preston, Leondria Thompson, Rosalyn Byrd-Knotts, Shanedria Wagner, society. Award recipients were Jodie L. Jiles, Anthony Hall, Pastor Ralph Douglas Verenda Hodge, Misty Early, Brandi Jackson, Darlette Johnson, Janet Winkley West, Lorenzo Bailey and Michael Harris. The keynote speaker was Precinct One and Elaine Benson. It was hosted by Michelle Harden……..HOUSTON AREA Harris County Commissioner Gene Locke. Melinda Spaulding was the emcee. Four URBAN LEAGUE GALA……..The Houston Area Urban League hosted its 2016 scholarship recipients were also recognized: Justin Johnson, Equal Opportunity Day Gala at the Hilton Americas-Downtown. James Bryant III, Marcus Dwaine and Miles Simms. The event started with a cocktail hour that encouraged guests to Defender TOP EVENTS participate in the fundraiser/raffle for designated packages. During Attendees included Jodie B. Jiles, Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, Alvin More photos on defendernetwork.com Wardlaw, Judge Vanessa Gilmore, Bruce Austin, Kevin the ceremony, fathers and community leaders were honored and Moore, Ernest Hunter and many more……..HALL OF presented with awards. Honorees included Gerald Hines, Willie FAME INDUCTEE CEREMONY……...Kingdom View and Naomi’s House IIes, Will Norwood, Kase Lawal and John Nau. The emcees were Khambrel recently held its annual Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony at the Hobby Center. The Marshall and Syan Rhodes. Guests included HAUL President/CEO Judson Robinson III, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman event celebrated the “fabric of women” in all industries, cultures and backgrounds. That evening, 25 women were inducted into the Hall of Fame including, Dr. Barbara Sheila Jackson Lee, Argentina James, Dr. Rod Paige, Stephanie Paige, Harry Elliot, Sonny Messiah- Jiles, Edna Valdes, CleRenda McGrady, Regina Allen, Dr. Johnson, John Guess, Trisha Bradley and a host of others. Comedic entertainment was provided by Marcus D. Wiley. Jacquie Martin, Jennifer Herring, Kathyrn Grinan, Sandra Deckard, Monica
Anthony Hall, Vanessa Gilmore, Kevin Moore
Robdrecaus Cooke, Jodie Jiles, B.J. Kemp, Erskine Black
Barbara Elliott, Sonny Messiah-Jiles, Nai Whitaker, Ramona Franklin
Marie Preston, Michelle Harden
Harry Johnson, John Guess, Earnest Peoples
Patricia Harrington, Doug Harrington, Paul Green, Sheryl Green, Al Coleman, Trisha Bradley
Pastor Ralph Douglas West, Bryce Kennard
Nai Whitaker, Kathryn Grinan
Judson Robinson III, Argentina James
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