FEATURE
BLACK CHILDREN COMMITTING SUICIDE MORE THAN WHITES AND EXPERTS DON’T KNOW WHY P10
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Volume 88 | Number 35
JUNE 27, 2019 |FREE
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NEWSTALK ROYCE WEST considering a run for U.S. Senate?
Remembering Defender Sports Editor
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Gifford ‘Max’ Edison
FEATURE NICOLE FRAZIER tapped to lead Black outreach for White House
P7 HS SPORTS
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ANDRE DUPLANTIER II
displays next-level baseball talent
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Kamala Harris
one of 25 candidates
Michael Jackson legacy lives on
The candidates in the sprawling field range in age from 37 to 89 and include liberals and moderates; senators, governors and mayors; and an unprecedented number of women and minorities. Meet all the Democratic candidates hoping to unseat Donald Trump.
The documentary “Leaving Neverland” presented a disturbing depiction of Michael Jackson as a child molester, but the initial wave of negative publicity hasn’t greatly diminished the King of Pop’s image or the enduring popularity of his music.
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Lawrence Battle, Josie Robinson Johnson and Jornae Rideaux at Dr. Robinson’s book signing.
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Royce West considers running for U.S. Senate Defender News Services
State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, has met with U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as he nears a decision on whether to run for U.S. Senate, a decision that West said will come sometime next month. West had a “positive meeting” with Schumer and staff at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, a Democratic source familiar with the meeting said. West, the source added, signaled that he is likely to run. West has been viewed as a potential Dallas State Sen. Royce West candidate for months but has not said much publicly about his deliberations ing a run: Houston City Councilmember Amanda over whether to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Edwards and Chris Bell, a former Houston congressR-Texas. If West enters the U.S. Senate race, he would man and 2006 gubernatorial nominee. have to contend with a Democratic field that already West has served in the Texas Senate since 1993. includes MJ Hegar, a veteran and former U.S. House He was elected to another four-year term in 2018 and candidate. Schumer met with Hegar in March. would not have to give up his seat to challenge Cornyn. At least two other Democrats are also still weigh-
HISD without budget, faces June 30 deadline Defender News Services
The vote for the HISD budget is going down to the wire and the district must have a budget in place by June 30. Surrounding districts are already raising teacher pay. • Katy ISD passed its budget giving teachers a 6 percent across the board pay raise and some have the chance to earn pay raises of up to 8 percent. • Spring Branch ISD new teachers will earn $57,000 a year. Its new budget also includes raises of 6 percent to 9 percent for teachers. • Sheldon ISD is including a 10 percent to 15 percent raise for teachers. Beginning salaries for new teachers will increase to $58,500. • Alief ISD has released several statements on Instagram outlining their raises, including announcing that starting salaries for new teachers will be $57,000. HISD’s proposal includes raises of 3.5 percent to 8 percent for teachers, but some trustees want to see the lowest paid staff earn at least $15 an hour. That was the reason the initial vote recently failed. The board rejected a proposal recommended by Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan’s administration to approve a basic budget now for the 2019-20 school year and return to amend it to include employee compensation. Working against the state-mandated deadline and despite the pleas of Chief Financial Officer Dr. Rene Barajas to get some form of a budget in place so there will be no possible interruption in paychecks or district operations as of July 1, the majority of the board members insisted they wanted to wait.
South Texas Law Review gets first Black editor Defender News Services
Kenesha Starling
South Texas College of Law Houston has made history with its law review publication. Kenesha Starling is the first AfricanAmerican to be named editor-in-chief of the South Texas Law Review in the school’s 96-year history. The institution is Houston’s oldest law school.
Starling, who is working toward completing her final year in law school, has experience in both the business and law sectors. She has balanced working full-time for a federal agency, pursuing her educational goals and motherhood. In her new role, she hopes to bring diverse narratives within the legal community to the forefront. “Our school has a rich and impressive
history; our alumni are Texas Supreme Court justices, judges, U.S. and district attorneys, and presidents of state and local bar associations, to name a few,” she said. “Our Law Review should reflect that same culture; it should be a leading resource for the legal community…we have to increase our presence and open doors for all the law students who follow our stead as the esteemed South Texas Law Review.”
localbriefs TEXAS FINISHED LAST AMONG THE 50 STATES for health care access and affordability for its residents, according to a new study by the New York-based Commonwealth Fund. The analysis, titled the “2019 Scorecard on State Health System Performance,” ranked Texas as the worst in health care access and rated the state 49th overall. The latter ranking resulted from analyzing data in the areas of prevention and treatment, healthy living behaviors, health care disparities, use of services and system costs. Texas also ranked 45th in prevention and treatment, 48th in disparity and 42nd in avoidable hospital use and cost……..TEXAS SOUTHERN
UNIVERSITY IS NOW HOME to the region’s first Shared Autonomous Shuttle, thanks to Metro and TSU in conjunction with project partners First Transit and the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The University District Circulator is a driverless EasyMile SAV shuttle that travels on the Tiger Walk, a one-mile pedestrian walking loop, providing connections to multiple points and buildings on campus for students and faculty. The shuttle can carry up to 15 passengers and travels using a preprogrammed route, equipped with a sensor and intelligent vehicle system to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. The shuttle is the eighth SAV
initiative for First Transit and the first such shuttle on a university campus in this region……..A NEW BILL SIGNED BY GOV. GREG ABBOTT hopes to deter people who steal mail by upping the punishment for such crimes. House Bill 37, which goes into effect Sept. 1, criminalizes mail theft, with the penalty ranging from a class A misdemeanor to third-degree felony, depending on the number of addresses mail is taken from. The punishment ranges from up to one year in jail and a fine of $4,000 to between two and 10 years in prison and fine of up to $10,000, depending on the number of addresses stolen from.
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U.S.briefs DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PETE BUTTIGIEG is facing criticism from angry residents of South Bend, Ind., at an emotional town hall meeting a week after a white police officer fatally shot a Black man in the city where he is mayor. Buttigieg said he would call for an outside investigation of the shooting of 54-year-old Eric Logan by Sgt. Ryan O’Neill. The 37-yearold mayor said he would send a letter to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and notify the local prosecutor that he’d like an independent investigator appointed. He conceded that his administration had failed on two key initiatives. Prosecutors investigating said that the shooting was not recorded by O’Neill’s body camera. The town hall grew contentious when some community members questioned whether the mayor had done enough to reform the police department in the city of 100,000 people, which is about a quarter Black……..NEW EVIDENCE PAINTS A “DISTURBING PICTURE” that racial discrimination may be the motive behind the Trump administration’s push to ask everyone in the country about citizenship status, a federal judge wrote in a recent filing. U.S. District Judge George Hazel of Maryland ruled there’s enough evidence to warrant reopening a case focused on whether a proposed 2020 census question violates minorities’ rights. Hazel reasoned that new evidence “potentially connects the dots between a discriminatory purpose” and a decision by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to add the citizenship question……..A CHICAGO MAN PRETENDING TO BE A COP has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 46-year-old woman inside a local Walgreens. Louis Hicks was ordered held without bond. Hicks, 33, was charged with murder, impersonating an officer and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for the June 12 attack on Sircie Varnado, who died of a gunshot wound. Police said a store manager believed Varnado was shoplifting and called Hicks instead of police.
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High court tosses murder conviction over racial bias Associated Press
The Supreme Court has thrown out the murder conviction and death sentence for a Black man in Mississippi because of a prosecutor’s efforts to keep African-Americans off the jury. The defendant already has been tried six times and now could face a seventh trial. The removal of Black prospective jurors deprived inmate Curtis Flowers of a fair trial, the court said in a 7-2 decision written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The long record of Flowers’ trials stretching back more than 20 years Earlier this year, attorney Sheri Johnson left the Supreme Court after challenging a Mississippi prosecutor’s decision to keep African-Americans off the jury in the trial of Curtis Flowers. shows District Attorney “The numbers speak loudly,” Kavanaugh said in a Doug Evans’ “relentless, summary of his opinion that he read in the courtroom, determined effort to rid the jury of Black individunoting that Evans had removed 41 of the 42 prospective als,” with the goal of an all-white jury, Kavanaugh Black jurors over the six trials. “We cannot ignore that wrote. history.” In Flowers’ sixth trial, the jury was made up of In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas called Ka11 whites and one African-American. Prosecutor vanaugh’s opinion “manifestly incorrect” and wrote Evans struck five Black prospective jurors. that Flowers “presented no evidence whatsoever of In the earlier trials, three convictions were purposeful race discrimination.” Justice Neil Gorsuch tossed out, including one when the prosecutor joined most of Thomas’ opinion. improperly excluded African-Americans from the Flowers has been in jail more than 22 years, since jury. In the second trial, the judge chided Evans for striking a juror based on race. Two other trials ended his arrest after four people were found shot to death in a furniture store in Winona, Mississippi, in July 1996. when jurors couldn’t reach unanimous verdicts.
Sentencing looms in Charlottesville attack VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 35 JUNE 27, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler
Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers
Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison
Editors ReShonda Tate Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Max Edison Jodie B. Jiles 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 digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
Associated Press
The avowed white supremacist who plowed his car into counterdemonstrators opposing a white nationalist rally in Virginia two years ago, killing one person and injuring dozens, asked a judge for mercy and a sentence shorter than life in prison. Lawyers for James Alex Fields Jr., 22, said in a sentencing memo submitted in court documents that the defendant should not spend his entire life in prison James Alex Fields Jr because of his age, a traumatic childhood and a history of mental illness. Fields pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes in March and was set to be sentenced on
June 28. “No amount of punishment imposed on James can repair the damage he caused to dozens of innocent people. But this Court should find that retribution has limits,” his attorneys wrote. Prosecutors countered that the avowed anti-Semite and Adolf Hitler admirer has shown no remorse since he drove the car into the counterdemonstrators on Aug. 12, 2017, killing anti-racism activist Heather Heyer and injuring others protesting against the white nationalists. The attorneys for Fields said that giving him something less than a life sentence would be akin to an “expression of mercy” and a “conviction that no individual is wholly defined by their worst moments.”
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Meet Democrats making presidential bids Associated Press
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he latest Democrat to enter the 2020 presidential race, former Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak, brings the primary field to 25 candidates. The candidates in the sprawling field range in age from 37 to 89 and include liberals and moderates; senators, governors and mayors; and an unprecedented number of women and minorities. Democrats view the upcoming election as a must-win, and they’re looking to nominate someone who is their best hope to beat President Donald Trump. Here are the candidates:
MICHAEL BENNET
Age: 54 Best known for: The senator from Colorado gave a scorching speech slamming Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas during the recent government shutdown.
JOE BIDEN
Age: 76 Best known for: Being former President Barack Obama’s vice president from 2009 to 2017 and U.S. senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009.
CORY BOOKER
Age: 50 Best known for: Serving as mayor of Newark and, currently, U.S. senator from New Jersey. He made headlines last year during his self-proclaimed “’I am Spartacus’ moment” as he flouted Senate rules against disclosing confidential documents during Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation fight.
Best known for: Serving as U.S. senator representing Alaska from 1969 to 1981 who read the Pentagon Papers into the congressional record. He also ran for president unsuccessfully in 2008, first as a Democrat and then as a Libertarian.
KAMALA HARRIS
Age: 54 Best known for: The former California attorney general is now the junior U.S. senator from California, known for her rigorous questioning of Trump’s nominees.
SETH MOULTON
Age: 40 Best known for: The Massachusetts congressman and Iraq War veteran gained national attention for helping lead an effort within the party to reject Nancy Pelosi as House speaker after Democrats regained control of the chamber.
BETO O’ROURKE
Age: 46 Best known for: The former three-term congressman narrowly lost the 2018 Senate race to Republican Ted Cruz in Texas, the country’s largest conservative state.
TIM RYAN
Age: 45 Best known for: The Ohio congressman made an unsuccessful bid to replace Nancy Pelosi as House Democratic leader in 2016.
BERNIE SANDERS
STEVE BULLOCK
Age: 53 Best known for: Serving as governor of Montana since 2013
U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris are among the 25 candidates who hope to win the Democratic nomination for president and defeat Donald Trump.
PETE BUTTIGIEG
Age: 37 Best known for: Serving as mayor of South Bend, Ind.
JULIÁN CASTRO
Age: 44 Best known for: Serving as Housing and Urban Development secretary during President Barack Obama’s second term and as the mayor of San Antonio, Texas, for five years.
BILL DE BLASIO
Age: 58 Best known for: Serving as New York City’s mayor since 2014.
JOHN DELANEY
Age: 56 Best known for: Being a former congressman from Maryland.
Age: 38 Best known for: Serving as a U.S. representative for Hawaii, the first American Samoan and first Hindu to be elected to Congress. Age: 52 Best known for: The senator from New York is one of her chamber’s most vocal members on issues of sexual harassment, military sexual assault, equal pay for women and family leave.
MIKE GRAVEL Age: 89
Age: 67 Best known for: The former Colorado governor was a quirky brewpub owner who became a politician late in life.
Read more about the candidates Biggests strengths and weaknesses at www.DefenderNetwork.com
TULSI GABBARD
KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND
JOHN HICKENLOOPER
JAY INSLEE
Age: 68 Best known for: Governor of Washington state and a former congressman.
AMY KLOBUCHAR
Age: 59 Best known for: The three-term Minnesota senator raised her national profile during a Senate committee hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when she asked him whether he had ever had so much to drink that he didn’t remember what happened. He replied, “Have you?”
WAYNE MESSAM
Age: 45 Best known for: Serving as the mayor of Miramar, Fla., and playing on the Florida State University Seminoles’ 1993 national championship football team.
Age: 77 Best known for: The senator from Vermont’s presidential primary campaign against Hillary Clinton in 2016 laid the groundwork for the leftward lurch that has dominated Democratic politics in the Trump era.
JOE SESTAK
Age: 67 Best known for: The former congressman from Pennsylvania went against party elders, including Obama and Biden, and challenged Republican-turned-Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter in the state’s 2010 Democratic primary, which Sestak won before losing the general election to Republican Pat Toomey.
ERIC SWALWELL
Age: 38 Best known for: The California congressman is a frequent guest on cable news criticizing President Donald Trump.
ELIZABETH WARREN
Age: 70 Best known for: The senator from Massachusetts and former Harvard University law professor whose calls for greater consumer protections led to the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau under President Barack Obama.
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
Age: 66 Best known for: Best-selling author and spiritual leader.
ANDREW YANG
Age: 44 Best known for: Entrepreneur who has generated buzz with his signature proposal for universal basic income to give every American $1,000 a month, no strings attached.
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Despite controversy, Jackson legacy strong Associated Press
The documentary “Leaving Neverland” presented a disturbing depiction of Michael Jackson as a child molester, but the initial wave of negative publicity hasn’t greatly diminished the King of Pop’s image or the enduring popularity of his music. Many believe Jackson’s musical legacy is still going strong as the world recognizes the 10th anniversary of his death. Backlash to the documentary that aired in March on HBO and Britain’s Channel 4 prompted radio stations in Canada to stop playing his music and the producers of “The Simpsons” to remove an episode that featured Jackson’s voice. But that’s been the most visible extent of the backlash. In 2010, fans gathered around a Gary, There’s been no rescinding honors Ind., monument on the first anniversary like has happened to Bill Cosby and Har- of the pop icon’s death. people to get in vey Weinstein, or mass movements to stop whenever we had stuff playing Jackson’s music, as R&B singer R. Kelly has faced. of his to auction,” he Jackson’s massively popular “Thriller” album and the continued. “There’s only theatrical version of its music video still reside in the Library of one person that compares to Congress’ National Recording Registry. His music is still featured Marilyn Monroe in collectability, and in commercials and is a part of a Cirque Du Soleil show in Las that is Michael Jackson.” Vegas. Billboard senior editor Gail Mitchell isn’t Museums in Detroit and Tennessee keep images and artifacts surprised by support for Jackson, who she has met before. For of Jackson on display, and his memorabilia continues to sell. a recent story, the veteran music journalist said she and a colleague “He still commands prices compared to most any other celebrity,” said Darren Julien, president and CEO of the Culver City, interviewed about 30 music executives who believe the singer’s legacy could withstand the “Leaving Neverland” controversy. California-based Julien’s Auctions. He said his auction house has “Some saw the film, others didn’t want to,” she said. “Many sold around $15 million of the superstar singer’s property includsaid that [Jackson] is not here to defend himself the way R. Kelly ing his white glove that went for $480,000 in 2009 and a jacket, is here. … The jury is always probably going to be out. But all of which was recently bought for $75,000. the execs said his legacy will be fine.” Julien said Russia, Asia, Middle East, Canada and America Mitchell recently attended Janet Jackson’s residency are some of the key markets where buyers are willing to spend performance in Las Vegas where the singer played several of money on Jackson’s merchandise. her brother’s songs that had “people dancing and buzzin’” as the “He’s the only celebrity where we would have lines of
“crowd went wild” during classic songs from The Jackson 5, which she called “one of the highlights of show.” “There was an aura about him,” Mitchell said of Jackson. “He had an energy in terms of his talent and the dancing, and I still think that aura still exists to a point. I know it’s been tarnished, but I think overall that there is no denying what he brought to the table.” Jackson died at the age of 50 from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol on June 25, 2009. In an instant, Jackson’s popularity surged after years of being tarnished by sexual abuse allegations and a 2005 child molestation trial, which ended with his acquittal. After Jackson’s death, the criminal case nearly became an afterthought until “Leaving Neverland” was released.
Michael Jackson died 10 years ago on June 25, 2009.
what’sup Could OPRAH WINFRY be considering a reboot of her classic “The Oprah Winfrey Show?” It has been eight years since the show aired, but Winfrey opened up to “Entertainment Tonight” about the possibility of bringing it back. While Winfrey, 65, might miss all the interaction she had with her die-hard audience, she’s busy running her network OWN and still has the opportunity to interview stars one-on-one on occasion……..A judge decided to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the decision by Cook County prosecutors to dismiss all charges against actor JUSIE SMOLLETT, who was accused of lying to the police by claiming he was the victim of a
racist and homophobic attack in downtown Chicago in January. Cook County Judge Michael Toomin suggested that the county’s state’s attorney, KIM FOXX, mishandled the Smollett case. The Chicago Police Department, which has never disguised its anger over the decision to drop the charges, vowed to assist the special prosecutor. Foxx took issue with the ruling and explained that she “followed the advice of counsel and my then Chief Ethics Officer” to recuse herself…….DAVE CHAPPELLE, SPIKE LEE and 50 CENT are among the latest group of celebrities to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The three entertainers will be joined in next year’s roster of honorees by
a huge group of talented people, which includes MAHERSHALA ALI, OCTAVIA SPENCER, TERRY CREWS, WENDY WILLIAMS, ALICIA KEYS and many more. The actual ceremonies for those stars and their dedications have not yet been scheduled, but will take place over the course of next year…….. Film and literary critic KAM WILLIAMS died recently from prostate cancer. He was 66. Williams’ celebrity interviews ran in more than 100 publications, including the Defender. Personalities he interviewed included DENZEL WASHINGTON, TYLER PERRY, ANGELA BASSETT and LEBRON JAMES.
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White House hires new Black outreach director Defender News Services
The White House has hired a new liaison for the Black community. Nicole Frazier, who worked as Sen. Cory Gardner’s regional director, was hired as director of African American outreach, serving in President Donald Trump’s administration. Frazier’s role will be to connect the Black community with the beleaguered Nicole Frazier and often tumultuous Trump The last person to hold the administration. The timing is position permanently almost a interesting as Trump is looking for support from the Black com- year ago was Trump’s former “Apprentice” bestie-turned-foe, munity for his 2020 re-election Omarosa Manigault Newman, campaign run. who was unceremoniously fired “I’m glad President Trump (or resigned depending on who was able to identify such a you ask) in December 2017. capable person in Nicole, to The job has remained unserve in OPL for this incredibly filled even after Henry Childs II important position…It’s a good temporarily assumed Manigault thing to have another AfricanNewman’s role. Childs II has American at the table in the since been tapped to serve as White House as our advocate national director of the U.S. and I stand ready to help her Department of Commerce’s succeed,” said Paris Dennard, Minority Business Development former White House director of Agency. The search for a new Black Outreach for President director began in March. George W. Bush.
One of last surviving Tuskegee Airmen dead Defender News Services
One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen has died. Lt. Col. Robert Friend, who flew 142 combat missions in World War II, passed away on June 21 from sepsis. He was 99 years old. Friend was a member of the Airmen, an elite group of African-American military pilots who fought Lt. Col. Robert Friend the Nazis during the second World War, only to return to to children sharing his story America and endure racism and from when he was part of the Jim Crow. prestigious Airmen. But Friend’s days as a “My sister arrived, some fighter pilot didn’t stop with friends arrived, and once everyWorld War II. During a decobody got there, we called the rated 28-year-career, he flew chaplain and we did a prayer,” missions in both the Korean Friend’s daughter, Karen and Vietnam wars. Up unCrumlich said. “And during til last year, he still worked, the prayer, right when we said signed autographs and spoke amen, he took his last breath.”
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Call 832-862-8886 to make your first appointment or to schedule a tour of your local center. Learn more at SeniorFocusedHouston.com Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Partners in Primary Care is Medicare Advantage friendly! We accept Original Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, TexanPlus and WellCare of Texas Medicare Advantage plans. Partners in Primary Care does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使 用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). GCHKGZUEN
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DEFENDER | JUNE 27 | 2019
Remembering Defender Spor
Gifford ‘Max’ Edis
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By SONNY MESSIAH JILES Defender
he Defender joins family members, friends, colleagues and fans in mourning the loss of our Sports Editor Gifford “Max” Edison Jr., who died on June 21 – his birthday – at the Super Edison, shown at age 63. t football, ou ab ote wr , Bowl Max was a character and a man of many talents. ll, track ba se ba , all basketb ccer, so , nis He shared his love in various ways. For almost three and field, ten ing and the rac to au lf, go decades I watched Max work, play and enjoy life to the Olympics. “Max.” I first met Max when our kids were attending the Imani School. He and his wife Judeene, who he described as having beauty and brains, had three children – Natalie, Jayson and Nicole – and our kids became the best of friends. Max loved his family. He used his sports connections to support his wife’s philanthropic work with Covenant House. He enjoyed taking his kids to sporting events, talking about his grandson Kahleal and spending time with his mother and brother. When I asked Max to join the Defender staff, he had already started his sports journalism career with a radio talk show. He saw the position of Defender college/pro sports editor well. He and former Defender High School Sports as a new adventure and a way to share his Editor Darrell Ardison were recognized by the National knowledge and views with others. Newspaper Publishers Association as No. 1 in sports in the You never had to worry about Max not Black Press of America. having an opinion. In fact, you expected Max’s love for the Super Bowl was well-known and it and most of the time appreciated it. he also covered the World Series and NBA Finals. When Sometimes he would express his opinions the Fritz Pollard Alliance, a group of NFL minority coaches, with humor, making you laugh while at the scouts and front office personnel was formed, Max took a speEdison’s same time making his point. Other times, survivors cial interest because of its commitment to equity and fair play. in c h c il lu d d ren and o he would spare no mercy, cutting deep to ne grand e his wife, Judee ne (abov In addition to promoting the alliance, Max emceed multiple son. e), three the bone with frankness. events for the group and participated in furthering its mission. When we started the Defender weekly sports program On the collegiate level, Max often wrote about HBCUs, espe“Gimme-A-Minute,” Max came up with the segment “Go Sit Down,” telling owncially Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. ers, coaches, athletes and fans when they needed to take a seat. He loved it. Check Max, a native of Brazoria, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Radio, TV & out some of his programs at DefenderNetwork.com. Film from Sam Houston State University and liked to report on SHSU Bearkat As a Defender team member, Max exhibited the sarcasm, quick wit and comathletics as well. petitive spirit that made you like him more. When someone on the staff was sick Max was multi-talented, and taught school full-time at Elsik High School in or suffering from a personal loss, Max would call or text, offering an encouraging Alief ISD. Prior to that he taught at Hightower High word that would lift your spirits, and you wondered School in Fort Bend ISD. He even sponsored the debate how he knew. Celebrating Max team which I’m sure was a good fit because he loved Saturday, June 29 a good debate. He took a special interest in shaping Kingdom Builders Center, 6011 West Orem young lives and promoted high standards with his ADMIRED AND RESPECTED Viewing, noon-1 p.m. encouraging words and straight talk. In the sports world, Max was admired by his Celebration, 1-2 p.m. I also saw Max demonstrate his love for GOD colleagues and the athletes he covered. Although he and his church, Windsor Village United Methodist covered the top talents in each sport, he often graviChurch. He was a dedicated member of the Worship Warrior Men’s Chorus, standing tated to the younger ones and the homegrown athletes sprinkling seeds of wisdom on the top row, left-hand side. His comradery with his fellow brothers in the choir from a business and personal perspective. I won’t mention names but you know who was obvious as he sang praises to our heavenly Father. He was always available to you are from the Astros, Rockets, Texans and on the collegiate level. He constantly serve, whether making church announcements on KBC-TV or giving input on church encouraged them to give back and seek wise counsel. activities. Among sports journalists in Houston and beyond, Max was wellI was blessed to know Max. He will be missed. respected. In addition to his flair and unique fashion sense, Max did his job
Edison, also a broadcast journalis appeared in local sports shows.
Friends
Butch Alsandor, Tex play voice – “[I am] shocked a Max’s passing. Always enjoye events because he had a true p his family in my thoughts toda Pastor Kirbyjon Cal “As a member of the Windsor celebrated as one of our most member of the Houston comm knowledgeable sports enthusia society. Max loved his family, Ralph Cooper, KCOH was inspired by him many tim I was older. The inspiration ca to enter media after graduating always cherish the conversatio rooms, but I cherish the conve While watching him raise a fa a sports media journey he unk his bass voice saying, “How’s Kim Davis, sports jour league, supporter, motivating always looked to support up-a said ‘If we don’t support us w
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
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rts Editor
son
st, often
h as former Texan
athletes, suc Edison knew countless Chester Pitts.
s, colleagues pay tribute
xas Southern University play-byand saddened to hear the news of ed visiting with him at sporting passion for Houston teams. Keeping ay. RIP my friend.” ldwell, Windsor Village UMC – r Village Church Family, Max was faithful and vocal members. As a munity, Max was celebrated as a ast who also fought for equality in , community and his God!” H-Radio – “I met Max in 1975. I mes when we were younger although ame from the effort he was making g from Sam Houston State. I will ons with him in sports teams press ersations we had privately more. amily, work a regular job and pursue knowingly mentored me. I will miss s the family?” rnalist – “Max was a friend, colcritic and above all, my brother. He and-coming journalists of color. He who will and if we don’t push to tell
stories from a different perspective. who will?’ I miss him already. He’s undoubtedly already heard ‘well done My good and faithful servant,’ because that is exactly who he was.” State Rep. Ron Reynolds – “I was stunned when I received word that Max Edison had passed away…I was just with him the night before when he was the MC for the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation Community Service Awards Gala. Max and I joked and laughed during the celebration. For me this is yet another reminder that no one knows the day nor the hour so live each and every day to the fullest!” Reid Ryan, Astros president of Business Operations – “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of longtime sportswriter Max Edison. For decades, Max covered Houston sports with great passion and enthusiasm. I always enjoyed our interactions over the years and will miss his charisma, wit and sports knowledge. Max was also a true pioneer in the sports media industry and a mentor that will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Houston Astros, I send heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends and colleagues in the sports world.” University of Houston Athletics – “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Defender sportswriter Max Edison. Max was a constant presence at our events through his years of coverage, and he will be missed. We offer our condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.”
he Houston area for over 88 years
The late Max Edison covered college and pro sports for the Defender.
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DEFENDER | JUNE 27| 2019
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Nigel Shelby, 15, Stormiyah Denson-Jackson, 12, and Rylan Thai Hagan, 11, are recent examples of Black youth who have committed suicide, as the Black community seeks answers and grapples with the issue of mental health (Photos: GoFundMe and courtesy of family).
Experts seek answers
More Black children committing suicide
B
Defender News Services
lack children in America are having a hard time of it, as studies point to an increase in suicides. In a community where suicide is not viewed as a “Black thing,” and discussions about mental health are often viewed as taboo or not taken seriously, the statistics suggest that more must be done to stem the tide of a growing epidemic. With historical adversity, psychological distress and racism impacting their mental health, the Black community is no stranger to suicide in America. Africans committed suicide on slave ships – in the case of the 1806 Igbo Landing mass suicide, Africans took their lives as an act of resistance – and on the plantation out of their suffering in captivity. Historically, while Black suicide rates have been lower than white rates, Black suicide rates have been growing at a higher rate than those of their white counterparts, particularly from 1965 onward. Further, in recent years suicide rates among Blacks across age groups have been lower than those for whites, Native Americans – who have the highest suicide rates – and comparable to Latinos and Asian Americans. However, research also suggests Black suicides have been more prone to misclassification and therefore likely underrepresented in the data, which would help explain the paradox of lower Black suicide rates despite the mental health risks Black people face. Traditionally, Black youths have had a lower suicide rate than white youths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-
tion (CDC). However, a study published by the journal JAMA Pediatrics in 2018 revealed that the suicide rate among Black children under 13 years is now double the rate for white children in that age group. This reality applies to both girls and boys, the study says, and white suicide rates surpass Black rates in the teen years. The study came as the CDC reported that suicides among Black children under 18 increased 71 percent from 2006 to 2016, at a time when suicides among all children rose 64 percent. Some of the possible reasons offered for the increase include the impact of racism placing Black children at a higher risk, and the notion that suicide is not an issue in the Black community, thereby hampering any efforts at suicide prevention.
FALSE NOTIONS
In the Black community, there are false notions that people living with a mental health condition are “crazy” or just need to be stronger, and that one can simply “pray away” depression. Other potential factors include issues such as easy access to the materials used to commit suicide, a profound feeling of loss or isolation and bipolar disorder. Further, experts note that the racially disparate rates of children taking their own lives also reflect the general gap in health outcomes among Black people and their white counterparts. While suicides among Black children between 5 and 11 years old have increased substantially since the 1990s, researchers have not identified one particular reason to explain the disparity, and more research is necessary. Suicide in America is now at its highest
level in 50 years. The level of suicides was greater in 1933 during the Great Depression – as is the case in hard economic times – and dropped among all groups, including African-Americans, with the end of World War II. A number of suicides of Black children, adolescents and young people have received media attention and focused attention on the issue. In 2018, Stormiyah Denson-Jackson, 12, killed herself in her dormitory at SEED Public Charter School in southeast Washington, D.C. Her family sued, accusing the school of not doing enough to prevent her death. Stormiyah, who according to family had previously attempted to take her own life, reportedly died a month after she told school psychologists she “didn’t want to live anymore.” The school allegedly concluded she was a “low-level suicide threat,” and “her grades were suffering and she was getting into trouble frequently.” Also that year, Rylan Thai Hagan, 11, hanged himself from his bunk bed with a belt. A trumpet player and model student, the sixthgrader from Washington, D.C., took his life days before Thanksgiving, and after qualifying for a basketball tournament at Walt Disney World. The rise in the suicide rate for Black children is an overlooked national emergency, according to a panel convened by the Congressional Black Caucus on the eve of Mental Health Awareness Month this past May. “We can no longer stand aside and watch as the youth in our community continue to struggle with depression, traumatic stress, or anxiety. Far too often the pain that African- Americans experience is either overlooked or dismissed,” Rep. Karen Bass, CBC Chair, said during the panel. “That has to end today.”
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JUNE 27 | 2019 | DEFENDER
e e g t n o n cha e u n e v THE POWER CENTER 12401 S. Post Oak Rd. Houston, TX 77045
Sponsored by:
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DEFENDER | JUNE 27 | 2019
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h.s. sports
Andre Duplantier II
Displays next-level baseball talent
R
By JODIE B. JILES Defender
ecent figures show that the percentage of Black baseball players in Major League Baseball increased this year from 7.7 percent in 2017 to 8.4 percent opening day of the 2019 season, its highest percentage since 2012. Summer Creek High School pitcher and third baseman Andre Duplantier II, a University of Texas commit, seems to be on the verge of pushing those percentages up in the near future. After Duplantier suffered a minor sprain in his elbow his junior year, which he admits humbled him as a player, his arm appeared to get even stronger once he recovered. At the end of his senior season, Duplantier earned First Team All-District honors as a pitcher with a top speed fastball that clocked in at 94 miles per hour. Duplantier also took home Second Team All-District honors as a third baseman and was selected by the Greater Houston Area Coaches Association as an All-Star. The Defender spoke with Duplantier after the AllStar game to discuss his style of play, keys to success in his career and advice to the younger baseball players out there. Defender: How would you describe your style of play on the mound? Duplantier: My style is very calm. I know that what I’ve done to get to where I’m at will help me attack
hitters. So, on the mound I’m going to attack hitters and pound the zone as much as I can. Defender: How did you fall in love with the game of baseball? Duplantier: I fell in love with the game growing up watching my oldest cousin Jon (a major league pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks) play the game and I just wanted to play baseball because he was playing baseball. Defender: What would you say are your keys to success so far in your career? Duplantier: Staying consistent every day, believing in what I’m doing and trusting what my coaches and trainers are telling me. Defender: Why was the University of Texas the best fit for your skill set? Duplantier: I decided to go to Texas because I really enjoyed the campus, the facilities and the coaches were really honest with me. Defender: What should Longhorn fans be looking out for next year? Duplantier: Fans should be looking out for a player who is going to do everything he can to help them win a championship. Defender: What advice do you have for a young Black baseball player who wants to achieve the same success you have been able to achieve so far? Duplantier: At least get something in every day. Don’t go a day without trying to get better. Even if it’s something small in the mirror, it’s going to help on the way down.
Andre Duplantier II pitches a scoreless inning in the Greater Houston Baseball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game.
About Duplantier
IG: @andreduplantier Baseball players he studies: Max Scherzer, Kyle Hendricks Favorite food: Sugar cookies Favorite subject: Science Favorite musical artist: Drake Hobby: Spending time with family and friends Shout-out: “Hi Mom”
Duplantier was a Summer Creek High School pitcher and third baseman. (Photos by Jimmie Aggison)
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h.s. sports
JUNE 27 | 2019 | DEFENDER
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Jonathan Baldwin helped the Houston Defenders 16 U Team win the Juneteenth Championship trophy.
Johnathan Baldwin
Has dual threat written all over him By JODIE B. JILES Defender
As a sophomore, Dobie High School’s Johnathan Baldwin started on his school’s varsity football team as a safety and played on the varsity basketball team as well. Going into his junior year Baldwin has earned unofficial looks at some of the biggest college football programs in the state. At the recent Juneteenth Shootout, Baldwin helped carry his team past the Storm in the semifinal game before he added 14 points to a 56-47 victory over Basketball University in the finals. Houston Defenders 16 U coach Mike Baldwin considers his standout AAU guard an asset. “Johnathan Baldwin is a big-time strong safety who is probably a four-star recruit being recruited by TCU, Texas A&M and Texas. He also brings a strong basketball asset to the team.” Baldwin drives to the basket in the shootout semifinal. (Photos by The Defender spoke with Baldwin about his skills in Jimmie Aggison) basketball and football. Defender: How would you describe your style as a I can be aggressive with the little point guards and when shooting guard? I get a big man I can just beat him off the dribble with my Baldwin: I like to slash to the rim and if I have the speed. Basketball also helps me with my quickness and open shot then I’ll take it. stamina. Defender: What is your approach as a safety on the Defender: What were the keys to your success in the football field? Juneteenth Shootout? Baldwin: As a safety I like to tackle people and be Baldwin: Turnovers and making our layups. aggressive Defender: Why should recruiters take a second look Defender: How does basketat you in the years to come? ball help improve your skills on the Baldwin: I am very For game & crowd photos gridiron? coachable and dedicated to visit IG: @DefenderHighSchoolSports everything that I do. Baldwin: Playing basketball,
About Baldwin
Class: 2021 College status: Uncommitted Pros he studies: Zion Williamson (NBA), Sean Taylor (NFL) Favorite musical artist: Juice Wrld Favorite food: Enchiladas Hobbies: Playing video games NBA 2K, Black Opps 3 and Fortnite Shout-outs: “All my teammates who support me every day and my coaches who believe in me and put me on the court.”
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DEFENDER | JUNE 27| 2019
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SWAC sets 2019 ESPN football schedule Defender News Services
The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced the upcoming ESPN line-up for the 2019 season highlighted by a total of 13 games that will be featured across the sports network. “When we began scheduling the upcoming lineup of ESPN games we sought matchups that would give viewers and the average fan that may not get to attend our games a strong representation of our brand of football,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland. “This upcoming slate of games highlights several annual classics, traditional conference rivalries, and matchups that feature teams that played highly competitive games last season, while also providing viewers a unique look at the excitement and pageantry
found on display any given day at a SWAC football game,” added McClelland. “Overall the relationship we have with ESPN along with this 2019 lineup games, provides our league with national exposure, marketing, brand recognition, and visibility that will be on par with many of the football conferences at the FBS level.” ESPN’s season coverage of the SWAC will begin on Saturday, Aug. 31, with the Labor Day Classic as Prairie View A&M University faces rival Texas Southern University at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. The 2019 edition of the Celebration Bowl, which features the champions of the MEAC and SWAC, will once again bring a fitting close to the national broadcast schedule for the league on Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. on ABC at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
DATE
TIME 5:30 p.m.
Prairie View A&M at Texas Southern
ESPN3
Sept. 1
2 p.m.
Bethune-Cookman vs. Jackson State
ESPN2
Sept. 21
5 p.m.
Prairie View A&M at Alcorn State
ESPN3
Sept. 28
6 p.m.
Southern at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
ESPN3
Oct. 5
6 p.m.
Grambling State at Jackson State
ESPN3
Oct. 12
6 p.m.
Prairie View A&M at Southern
ESPN3
Oct. 19
2 p.m.
Jackson State at Miss. Valley State
ESPN3
Oct. 24
6:30 p.m.
Jackson State at Prairie View A&M
ESPNU
Oct. 26
2:30 p.m.
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State
ESPN3
Nov. 2
4 p.m.
Alabama A&M at Southern
ESPN3
Nov. 9
2 p.m.
Alcorn State at Grambling State
ESPN3
Nov. 23
2 p.m.
Alcorn State at Jackson State
ESPN3
Dec. 7
3 p.m.
2019 SWAC Football Championship
ESPNU
Dec. 21
11 a.m.
2019 MEAC-SWAC Celebration Bowl
ESPNU
Defender News Services
The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center
.368. Josiah will start training camp July 5 and her first game with St. Kitts and Nevis will be played July 13.
hensive concussion study in history as well as the association’s mental health initiatives, which have led to a considerable cultural shift in how mental health is perceived in sport. The NFL provided key engineering data on helmet technology and lower extremity injuries vis-à-vis turf and shoe interactions.” The NCAA contributed information regarding concussions and the overall wellbeing of college athletes, with a particular focus on the association’s efforts to address physical as well as mental health and new recommendations on the prevention of
catastrophic injury and death in collegiate student-athletes.
Offers FREE services to qualifying adults 19 and older in the areas of: high school equivalency: GED resources, career coaching, college admissions, financial aid applications, college entrance exam preparation and much more. Call 713-718-6330
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS CIVIL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS FOR THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR AT 1313 MAIN STREET IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON FOR THE HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT The Houston Downtown Management District (the “District”) will receive Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from engineering consultants for the preparation and issuance of sealed construction and bidding documents for an Emergency Generator at 1313 Main Street in Downtown Houston, Texas. Statements of Qualifications will be received until 2:00 P.M., local time on Friday, July 12, 2019, by the Director of Operations and Capital Projects, Houston Downtown Management District, 1313 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Qualifications received after this time will not be accepted. Respective of this advertisement, telephone, mail, email queries or requests for information will not be addressed by the District. Beginning Monday, June 24, 2019, hard copies of this project’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ-190624) may be retrieved from the District’s office at 1313 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002 or downloaded from the District’s website at http://www.downtowndistrict.org. Queries or requests for information will be addressed by the District, pursuant to the instructions provided in the RFQ. Based on the Qualifications submitted, an evaluation and selection committee will review and award the contract to the selected consultant. T:4.79”
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Game Name / Odds
$
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End Validations Date
2100
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$20
7/5/19
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2059
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$10
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2130
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$5
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2017
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$5
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2103
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$10
8/28/19
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Txlottery.org is the official source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes. In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2019 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.
T:3.25”
Top medical and sport science experts from the NCAA and NFL recently gathered for a first-of-its kind meeting. Their goal was to share information and emerging data in hopes of making football safer for student-athletes and professionals alike. The meeting was a collaborative effort organized by the groups’ respective chief medical officers. “This was a great interactive meeting where both organizations learned from each other,” said Dr. Brian Hainline of the NCAA. “The NCAA presented cutting-edge material from the largest and most compre-
classifieds
bean region, and is the qualification tournament for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. St. Kitts and Nevis is ranked 21st out of 41 teams. “It is an honor to have been selected to play soccer at the national level, as it has always been a big dream of mine. “ Josiah said. Josiah ranked in all SWAC goalie stats, second in goals against with an average of 1.276 goals. She held second in the SWAC with a 6.47 saves per game percentage. Josiah also ranked third in saves with a .831 PCT. She was third in SWAC for shutouts per game at
NCAA, NFL collaborate on football safety goals
WATCH
Aug. 31
PVAMU goalkeeper to play for Caribbean women’s team Prairie View A&M soccer sophomore goalkeeper Quinn Josiah has been selected to play for St. Kitts and Nevis CONCACAF U-20 Women’s National soccer team. St. Kitts and Nevis is a Caribbean dual island nation. “It is a great opportunity for Quinn to compete in the Under-20 Championships for Saint Kitts National Team,” said PVAMU head women’s soccer coach Sonia Curvelo. “She has an opportunity to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup which is a great honor. She is a committed student-athlete [who] has put in the work to compete at this level and deserves this once-in-a-lifetime Quinn Josiah opportunity. She will do well.” The CONCACAF tournament is an association football competition for women’s national teams under 20 years in North America, Central America and Carib-
GAME
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JUNE 27 | 2019 | DEFENDER
Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
UH BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2019 HERITAGE BRUNCH……..The was the first African-American to serve as a regent on the University of Minnesota University of Houston’s Black Alumni Association held its 2019 Heritage Brunch at Board of Regents, served as deputy campaign manager for Jimmy Carter’s presidential the UH Student Center where Tyrone Cooper, Sidney Lacey and Dr. Jonita Wallace campaign and her book gives you an inside look into her historical journey. In the Reynolds were celebrated as 2019 Heritage Honorees. Dr. Antonio Tillis, dean of UH’s audience were Cora and Judson Robinson III, Algenita Scott Davis, Charlene James, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, gave the keynote address while the packed Gerald Womack, Remmele Young, Dr. James Douglas, Linda Brown, Argentina house enjoyed an incredible meal. Event proceeds were designated to support student James, Lawrence Battle and a host of others……..FESTIVAL UNDER THE STARS scholarships. Attendees included Charlene Johnson (president), Congresswoman JUNETEENTH CONCERT……..The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Elwyn Lee, State Sen. Borris Miles, hosted the 2019 Festival Under the Stars featuring national recording Diedra and Terence Fontaine, Pastor Jamail Johnson, Dr. and Keith Washington. The event, part of Missouri Defender TOP EVENTS artists Cherrelle th Alicia Yancy, Jana Johnson, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Karen More photos on defendernetwork.com City’s 17 Annual Celebration & Parade, also featured crowd-pleasing Hauser, Stephanie Nweke, Christi Hicks, Katrice Lowe and artists Choppa Law & the Above the Law Band as well as international many more……..JOSIE ROBINSON JOHNSON’S BOOK performer Katumbella who stole the show at last year’s event. The food SIGNING……..A book signing for Josie Robinson Johnson was recently hosted by trucks and vendors were “on jam” as well as the hyped crowd. Attendees included Derrick Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis at his home. Ms. Johnson, the sister of the late Woods (organizer), DJ Big Poppa, the L&G Steppers, Southern Konnection, Darren and Houston City Councilman Judson Robinson Jr., was a civil rights icon in her own right. Twana Fulton, Dorothy Cook, Precious Toussant, Kimberly Willis, Adrianne Walker, Over 50 years ago she lead a delegation from Minnesota to the March on Washington, Bennie Childs and hundreds more.
Michelle Barnes, Carolyn Oliver, Dr. Antonio Tillis, Diedra Fontaine
Calvin Guidry, Algenita Scott Davis, Gerald Womack
Manny Okon, Katumbella, James Cantu, Danny Perez
Jana Johnson, Arnetta Yardbourgh, Davonda Peterson
Rock Robinson, Robert Robinson, Terrance Robinson
Keith Washington
Dr. Jonita Reynolds, State Rep. Ron Reynolds
Lawrence Battle, Josie Robinson Johnson, Jornae Rideaux
Larry Blackmon, Twana Fulton, Darren Fulton
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DEFENDER | JUNE 27| 2019
BLAZING A PATH FOR HBCU ACHIEVEMENT
Join six future Black media stars as they begin their journey. Head to www.nnpa.org/chevydtu and be there at the beginning.
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