Houston Defender: June 29, 2017

H.S. SPORTS HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOLS DOMINATE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. P15

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Volume 86 | Number 37

JUNE 29, 2017 |FREE

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NEWSTALK RHONDA SKILLERNJONES HISD budget benefits teachers

P2 NATIONAL CEDRIC RICHMOND CBC declines Trump meeting

P4 ENTERTAINMENT DIANA ROSS making a rare appearance at Essence Fest

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4TH OF JULY ATTRACTIONS H PAGE 8

TOP EVENTS

Omari Hardwick returns to “Power”

The multi-talented actor is back in his hit Starz show, “Power.” But it’s a role he almost passed on. Find out why and what’s in store for fans this season.

Georgia Provost and Howard Jefferson at the Defender’s Conversation & Coffee.

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De’Aaron Fox shines in NBA draft The former Cy-Lakes and Kentucky University graduate joins three other local Houston players to get drafted into the NBA. Fox is taking his talents to the Sacramento Kings. Find out who else is repping the Bayou City.

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DEFENDER |JUNE 29 | 2017

newstalk

New HISD budget benefits teachers Defender News Services

Now that the Houston school board has approved a $49 million budget for the 2017-2018 school year, teachers could see a pay raise. It was that fact – and that fact alone – that had three Black HISD board members shift their “no” votes to “yes.”

At a recent board meeting, trustees decided to revise how much money individual schools get, known as the resource allocation handbook.

Schools that have money left over from this school year will have to transfer that balance to the general fund for next year. Together, that leftover money is worth $10 million.

“Sometimes you need to just share,” said Trustee Jolanda Jones, who argued HISD should be more centralized. “With the schools that have like $800,000 left over, it’s Rhonda Skillern-Jones Jolanda Jones just not fair. I don’t care how they plan to spend it.”

Two trustees opposed the change because some schools may be relying on that money – or be forced to use it on less important items or lose it.

HISD’s budget became strained this year because it has to pay more money to the state’s Recapture than expected.

The budget, ultimately approved on a 8-1 vote, reflects a nearly $200 million increase over the current budget year and keeps the current total tax rate - about $1.21 per $100 of taxable property value. It will increase the amount the district collects for maintenance and operations but decrease the amount it collects in interest taxes.

The spending plan includes incremental pay raises for

teachers, support staff and elementary school principals, though less than the five percent across-the-board raises that teachers and support staff wanted. An amendment that would have given 5 percent raises to all teachers and support staff was defeated 6-3, with Trustees Jolanda Jones, Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Wanda Adams voting in favor of the bigger pay boosts. Instead, the adopted budget will see teachers with five or fewer years of experience get a two percent salary increase and those with 16 or more years of experience receiving a four percent pay raise, along with similar incremental increases for others.

District budget officials had increased the amount set aside for salary increases from $26 million presented at a June 15 workshop to about $48 million Thursday after board members groused over the size of salary increases amid competition from suburban districts.

To help pay for Wanda Adams larger pay raises, district officials cut funding for Superintendent Richard Carranza’s Achieve 180 campus turnaround plan by more than $8 million. And Board President Wanda Adams persuaded the board to adopt an amendment to cut $200,000 from a fine arts initiative to give a small raise to elementary school principals.

The board also added $2.2 million for the district’s special education department - included after Jones and Trustee Anne Sung raised questions about a lack of funding increases for a department that has faced scrutiny for failing to provide adequate services and testing to special education students. The money will pay for testing materials, nursing support, three parent liaisons, an autism program at three high schools and a senior program manager for the department.

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Mentoring program seeks participants

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

The Rotary Club of Hermann Park (RCHP) is partnering with four Third Ward schools to implement a mentoring program for students in the fall.

Titled the “Every Student Mentoring Program,” it will be put into action at Yates High School, Cullen Middle School and Lockhart and Blackshear Elementary Schools.

RCHP hopes to mentor at least 50 students from each campus.

RCHP was established in 1959. President Ted Weisgal said the organization has always served Houston’s Third Ward through “service above self” and their goal is to continue that legacy.

“We need mentors to help motivate and steer students on the straight and narrow, and in a way where they’re going to succeed in life,” Weisgal said.

Jalisha Bass, a student who’s spearheading the mentoring program and a recent graduate of Yates, said having two mentors is the reason why she’s grounded today. She was accepted into 16 colleges and received more than 10 scholarship offers. She said students need mentoring and accountability for success.

“It’s important to have a mentor because it’s someone students can lean on for advice when they need help. A lot of people say ‘Oh, go to your parents or friends for that,’ but sometimes they don’t always have the knowledge you’re seeking,” Bass said.

“Mentors can hold you accountable and help guide you in the right direction. They’re also able to connect you to the right people to reach your career goals. My mentors are the reason why I’ll be attending University of Texas at Austin this fall with no worries on how I’ll be able to pay for my schooling.”

To become a mentor or mentee email everystudentmentoringprogram@gmail.com

localbriefs FORMER NBA PLAYER MARCUS CAMBY has been hit with a lawsuit over the death of his 9-year-old autistic nephew, who drowned at a pond at Camby’s Houston estate last Thanksgiving, reports ESPN. The child, Marcus Carter McGhee, reportedly went missing and was discovered two days later in the pond at the multi-acre property in Pearland. Marcus Kendall McGhee, the child’s father, filed a wrongful death lawsuit, and claims that there was a lack of supervision on Camby’s behalf and he failed to prevent the child from going to the pond. Camby has not responded to the lawsuit……..MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER

is one of three new Climate Mayors co-chairs.

Turner was named co-chair by Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti, who co-founded the bipartisan Climate Mayors – formerly known as the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda – in 2014. The mayors will adopt, honor and uphold the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. President Donald Trump announced earlier this month that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris accord…….. THE CITY IS LOOKING FOR ARTISTS to usher in a new wave of “mini murals” to beautify neighborhoods and cover up gray, electrical utilities. Local artists are asked to re-imagine “traffic signal control

cabinets as blank canvases brimming with creative opportunity.” All Greater Houston area artists are eligible for the gig, which will pay $750 per utility cabinet plus $250 for supplies. Visit cityofhouston.gov for more information.……..

FIVE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANTS successfully completed the final step of the state’s application process allowing them to begin operation in Texas for the 2018-2019 school year once any contingencies are met. They include three schools in Houston: Etoile Academy Charter School, Legacy School of Sport Sciences and Yellowstone College Preparatory.

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JUNE 29 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source continued its winning ways at the annual National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation’s Merit Awards. The awards ceremony was held during the NNPA convention in Oxon Hill, Md. The Defender received three awards for journalistic excellence: First Place, Community Service Award – The Defender won for a series of articles on the Black Lives Matter Movement. The winning entry demonstrated efforts above and beyond routine coverage.

First Place, Best Layout and Design, Tabloid – Judging was based on headline type, style selection, body type style, layout and design and overall print quality.

Third Place, Best Editorial Award – LaGloria Wheatfall, the Defender digital editor, won for her editorial titled “Understand Why Our Lives Matter.” Judging was based on clarity of thought, community interest, style and relevance.

CEO & Publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles thanked the Defender staff for a job well done.

“It takes a team of dedicated, hard-working professionals to consistently produce a quality print and online publication,” Messiah Jiles said. “The Defender and Houston are blessed to have such talent.”

“Each year, the Defender brings home Merit Awards from the NNPA convention, and it is gratifying to know that we are nationally recognized for excellence.”

Also at the NNPA convention, Martin Luther King III received the 2017 Lifetime Legacy Award.

“For decades, more than anyone else, Martin Luther King III has continued to personify and represent the living legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for freedom, justice and equality,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis.

Chicago Crusader publisher Dorothy Leavell was elected chairman of NNPA for 2017-2019.

NNPA is a national trade association of more than 200 Black and women-owned U.S. media companies with a weekly print and digital readership of over 20.1 million African-Americans.

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DEFENDER | JUNE 29 | 2017

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national

Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, says they have no interest in another “photo op” with President Donald Trump.

Black Caucus declines meeting with Trump

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Defender News Services

he Congressional Black Caucus is standing by a decision not to accept President Donald Trump’s request for a follow-up meeting, citing concerns that such a gathering would not be helpful.

Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), chairman of the CBC, said in a letter addressed to Trump that he and his colleagues had “seen no evidence that [the] Administration acted on our calls for action” after a previous meeting with the president. In fact, he added, the White House had taken steps that would “affirmatively hurt Black communities.”

“While we agreed to explore future possible discussions when we first met, it has become abundantly clear that a conversation with the entire CBC would not be entirely productive, given the actions taken by your Administration since our first meeting,” Richmond wrote. “While you can solicit the engagement of individual members of our caucus, the CBC as a caucus declines your invitation to meet at this time.”

The CBC’s decision was blasted by Omarosa Manigault, senior White House aide and former “Apprentice” contestant.

She accused CBC members of “showboating” and refusing to serve their constituents.

“Coming to the table over and over again to work through these issues is the only effective way to get where they wanted to go,” Manigault said. “And instead, they’re showboating and they’re actually shorting out their constituents that they committed to represent by not coming to meet with the president.”

CBC leaders last met with Trump in March, amid concerns from members that the president would try to use the session as a photo-op to boost his support among Black

Americans.

The group’s six-member executive board presented the president with a 130-page policy document titled “A Lot to Lose” ― a reminder that Trump, during his campaign, had asked African-Americans “what the hell” they had to lose by voting for him.

In a letter earlier this month, the White House asked to schedule another meeting to “continue the discussion.” The CBC’s rejection was largely expected.

In his letter, Richmond specifically called out a number of Trump’s actions and policy proposals, saying they served as proof that their concerns had fallen “on deaf ears.”

Richmond pointed to Trump’s budget proposal, which includes steep cuts to social safety net programs and Pell Grants, as well as calls for the elimination of low-income housing assistance.

He also expressed alarm over Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ recent move to reverse Obama-era sentencing reforms, which had pushed back against decades of aggressive drug war policies that fueled mass incarceration. Sessions, Richmond noted, has appeared skeptical about the federal government’s involvement in police reform.

In addition, Trump’s Education Department has already strained its relationship with historically Black colleges and universities, with a number of moves critics fear could lead to lost funding.

“These aforementioned policies alone will devastate Black communities, not to mention your effort to dismantle our nation’s health care system,” Richmond added. “The CBC, and the millions of people we represent, have a lot to lose under your Administration. I fail to see how a social gathering would benefit the policies we advocate for.”

U.S.briefs THE MOTHER OF PHILANDO CASTILE, a Black motorist killed by a Minnesota police officer last year, has reached a nearly $3 million settlement in his death. The settlement to be paid to Valerie Castile, who is the trustee for her family in the case, will avoid a federal wrongful death lawsuit stemming from her son’s death. The 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker was killed by St. Anthony officer Jeronimo Yanez during a traffic stop last July after Castile told the officer he was armed. Castile had a permit for his gun. The shooting gained widespread attention after Castile’s girlfriend, who was in the car with her then-4-year-old daughter, live streamed its gruesome aftermath on Facebook…….

THE CITY OF FERGUSON, MO. HAS SETTLED a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of Michael Brown, unarmed Black 18-year-old who was fatally shot by former Ferguson officer Darren Wilson in 2014. Details of the settlement were not initially disclosed, but the amount was later revealed to be $1.5 million.......AN OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICER WAS SHOT by another cop in St. Louis after police tried to stop a vehicle with spike strips and three people in the car fired shots at officers. An off-duty officer heard the incident and ran outside to help. He was ordered to get on the ground and surrender.

He complied. An officer recognized him and told the other cops to let him up, which is when he was shot. The injured officer was taken to the hospital for a gunshot wound to the arm. He is listed as in good condition……..MINIMUM WAGE INCREASED IN ATLANTA after the City Council voted to raise the minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 per hour over the next two fiscal years, starting with an increase to $13 per hour beginning on July 1.

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 37 JUNE 29, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles 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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JUNE 29 | 2017 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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The ‘Power’ of Omari Hardwick

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Defender News Services

mari Hardwick has catapulted to star status in his hit Starz show, “Power.” But it’s a role the multitalented actor almost passed on.

When Hardwick – who had supporting roles in “Being Mary Jane,” “Middle of Nowhere” and a host of other movies – first read the script for the show, he liked the premise, but he was satisfied at the time with taking a backseat to any leading role. His wife, however, encouraged him to go for it.

“I really had a problem with being the man,” Hardwick said. “I’m past it now, but that was my insecurity. I ran from that. I was cool with being No. 3 on the call sheet or No. 2. I’m too competitive to be No. 7, but I was always cool with being the man next to the man.

“My wife told me the only way for my platform to get bigger is embrace certain things like ...the sex symbol thing. I wasn’t nurtured to think of myself in that way, but I embraced it enough.”

On “Power,” Hardwick plays the character of James “Ghost” St. Patrick, a New York nightclub owner who is trying to escape the double life of a drug kingpin while dating a federal prosecutor as a married man. He accepted the role after meeting with show creator Courtney Kemp Agboh, saying it’s one of the best career decisions he’s ever made.

“There aren’t a lot of people out there like this guy,” Hardwick said of his character. “He wears on me like the heaviest mink coat your grandmama ever wore. There’s a lot of Omari in Ghost and a lot of Ghost in Omari.”

“Power,” which is also produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, has become one of Starz’s most popular shows, averaging nearly 3 million viewers last season, according to Nielsen. The series just returned for its fourth season with what Hardwick calls a “very dark season. I was living in a jail.”

Joseph Sikora, who co-stars as Tommy, said Hardwick “flourished” in the role from the start.

“He definitely considers himself to be the quarterback, and takes that position very seriously,” Sikora said. “I think he is very comfortable in a position of control and that puts people around him at ease.”

Hardwick said his role in “Power” helped him overcome his insecurities. He played football at the University of Georgia (he minored in drama) and sports has always been a primary calling card (to this day, he maintains an athletic build.) But acting was always in the back of his mind.

“I enjoyed sports and I was always competitive and aggressive and so sports sort of just took over. But there was always this side of me even by high school where I was like ‘Yeah, but theater is dope. It’s cool. It’s different,’ ” he insisted. “So it was always there. I think the two competed. I think the artist bug and athletic bug competed at the same time, but I think the artist bug won out in terms of at least putting food on the table.”

what’sup KEVIN POWELL is suing the makers of “All Eyez On Me,” the TUPAC biopic, alleging that they used his work to write the script, but did not get his permission, nor compensate him. Powell, a former writer for Vibe magazine, is asking a judge to immediately stop the film from being played in theaters and for a portion of the profits. Powell noticed similarities to his work after he saw the film, including “Nigel,” a fake composite of a real gangster named “Haitian Jack” whom he profiled in his article. Further, the film also features a journalist played by HILL HARPER, talking to Pac in

prison, as he did….....The drama between MARY J. BLIGE and her estranged husband, KENDU ISAACS, has been out in the open for all to read.

While the two seem to have moved on, Isaacs slipped back in his feelings watching Mary on stage at the BET Awards and took to Instagram professing his love and asking for an end to their drama……..MASTER P. decided not to go to this year’s BET Awards because he had an issue with their plans for a tribute to PRODIGY, who recently died at the age of 42. Master P felt that BET has a bad habit of not celebrating artists until

they are dead…….The Carter twins have finally come home. BEYONCE’ and JAY-Z were able to take their premature baby boy and girl home after the twins spent a week and a half at UCLA Medical Center…….Ben’s Chili Bowl, a restaurant in Washington, D.C., known for celebrating Black history and culture, has repainted its famous mural, removing BILL COSBY. The controversial star has been a regular customer at the popular eatery since the 1950s. The repainting came a week after a judge declared a mistrial in Cosby’s sexual assault case.

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DEFENDER |JUNE 29 | 2017

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All roads lead to Essence Fest 2017 Defender News Services

It’s about time again for one of music’s most highly anticipated events of the year, the Essence Music Festival. The three-day multi-stage event takes place June 29- July 2 in New Orleans.

And while the lineup – everyone from Diana Ross to Mary J. Blige to Xscape to Chance the Rapper – will have you ready to dance the night away, the event bills itself as the official party with a purpose. This year, Essence plans to continue the legacy with four days of music, empowerment, community and entertainment.

While the spotlight shines the brightest on the big name stars like Ross, John Legend and Blige, many special aspects of the overall event make it unique in offering so many choices as to how to experience the festival.

Under the roof of the Dome there are five stages. There’s the arena stage plus four small, more intimate, upper-level venues dubbed “superlounges,” located along the Dome’s interior perimeter. These areas are set up like nightclubs with a bar and food vendors at either end of the lounges. The audience-friendly, low-riding stages are in the middle with lots of room in front for dancing.

Essence’s free daytime activities, which take place throughout the weekend at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, offer empowerment seminars, interviews with artists, films, food, art, live music and more. There will be a Gospel Tribute all day on Sunday.

The Essence Festival line-up includes (l. to r.) John Legend, Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Chance the Rapper and Solange.

Party with a purpose

Defender News Services

What You’ll Learn: The difference a good marketing campaign can make, as well as how to handle legal issues that may arise. If you own a tech business, #YesWeCode folks will help you discover how to connect to new sources of revenue and to raise more capital to support your long-term goals.

It’s not all fun and games at the Essence Fest. The annual Path to Power Business and Entrepreneurship conference is a three-day meetup of successful executives, tech leaders, industry moguls and career experts.

Whether you’re a newbie who wants tips on how to draft a killer business plan, a mid-level professional trying to snag a promotion or a small-biz owner seeking advice on how to scale, there’s a seminar that suits you.

MAKE THE LEAP

Who Should Go : Anyone who is thinking of launching a business and wants some guidance on where to start. This arena is also great for entrepreneurs with less than five years’ experience helming their own company.

GROW YOUR ENTERPRISE

Who Should Go : Veteran business owners (eight to ten years of experience) looking to scale, reach new markets or expand to new locations.

Iyanla Vanzant

Speakers: Richelieu Dennis, CEO of Sundial (SheaMoisture); Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter; rapper and entrepreneur Master P; and tech biz owner Jessica O. Matthews. They’ll tackle subjects such as sharing ownership, keeping your brand authentic, finding new revenue streams and continuing to build your company.

Speakers: Diishan Imira, founder of Mayvenn, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) reps, #YesWeCode, the National Urban League (NUL) and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

What You’ll Learn: How to do business with the U.S. government and best practices for making your company a more attractive candidate for funding. You’ll also hear about how to take a side project to the next level and make it your full-time gig and how to develop a sustainable and profitable business model.

Ava DuVernay

Get the full line-up of seminars and concerts at

www.Essence.com/EssenceFest

RUN WITH IT

Who Should Go : Those with businesses that have been up and running for more than five years. You’re no novice—you have a small staff, you’re profitable and you’re looking to sustain and improve on that progress.

Speakers: Singer–songwriter, TV personality and entrepreneur Kandi Burruss; Bärí A. Williams, head of business operations at StubHub; and members of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

What You’ll Learn: : How to set goals for the road ahead as you hear firsthand how innovative entrepreneurs made it to the top.

Tech partners will advise on cutting-edge tools you can utilize to draw new audiences.

GET FINANCIALLY SAVVY

Who Should Go People looking to get a handle on their money.

Want to invest but don’t know where to begin? Need to get rid of student loan or credit card debt? Pull up a seat at our personal finance section.

Speakers: Tiffany Aliche, better known as The Budgetnista; personal finance guru Patrice C. Washington; and Michelle Avan, an executive at Merrill Lynch, are among the pros who will be doling out money advice.

What You’ll Learn: Attendees will walk away with a better sense of what it takes to build personal wealth.

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JUNE 29 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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Houston awarded $3 million HUD grant Defender News Services

ing June’s National Healthy Homes Month, Carson said he In a continuous effort to keep families wants to make lead paint hazand their children safe from lead-based paint ard removal a top priority. and other home health and safety hazards, “Children perform better the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban at school and in life if they live Development (HUD) has awarded the city of in a healthy home,” said SecreHouston $3 million. The HUD funding is part tary Carson. “A healthy start at of $127 million in total provided to 48 state home translates to a successful and local government agencies (see chart life outside of the home. HUD below). is committed to working with The City of Houston received $2,600,000 local communities to eradicate in Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration lead paint poisoning to make grant funds and $400,000 in Healthy Homes sure our homes are safe and Supplemental funding. The City of Houston ensure positive outcomes for will use the funding to address lead hazards families and their kids.” in 200 housing units providing safer homes Unsafe and unhealthy for low and very low-income families with homes affect the health of milchildren. The City will also collaborate with lions of people of all income Baylor School of Medicine, the Bonner Founlevels, geographic areas, and dation Program at the University of Houston, walks of life in the U.S. These BUILDing Scholars program, Rice Univerhomes affect the economy The HUD award will make 200 low-income housing units safer and healthier, tackling the growing lead paint problem. sity and the Texas Healthy Home Training directly through increased utiCenter. lization of health care services, cal needs in communities where no other resources exist Nationwide, the grant funding announced will and indirectly through lost wages and increased school to address substandard housing that threatens the health reduce the number of children with elevated blood lead days missed. Housing improvements help prevent of the most vulnerable residents. levels, and protect nearly 7,600 families living in homes injuries and illnesses, reduce associated health care and HUD Secretary Ben Carson announced the new with significant lead and other home health and safety social services costs, reduce absentee rates for children funding during an event that featured a panel discussion hazards. HUD’s Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant in school and adults at work, and reduce stress—all about the importance of public and private partnerships programs have a proven history of success, filling critiwhich help to improve the quality of life. to the work of healthy homes. With HUD celebratT:9.5”

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DEFENDER |JUNE 29 | 2017

HOUSTON FIRST

Offering city attractions, opportunities

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By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

ew city attractions have services at competitive rates in all areas of its enhanced Houston’s reputation operations,” Bailey said. as a tourism spot, and accord“To stimulate growth for historically uning to Houston First board derutilized business enterprises, we encourage members, their initiative has full participation of these businesses in various shepherded business opportuniareas of city contracting, where $50,000 conties for African-Americans and other minorities. tracts can be bid on for small, Black-owned Formed in 2011, Houston First is a local govand other minority businesses,” she said. ernment corporation leading the effort to promote Board chair David Mincberg said it’s Houston as one of the greatest cities in the world. important for Houston First to be inclusive and Gerald Womack It manages more than 10 city-owned buildings promote diversity “so that when tourists are and properties and underground and surface parklooking for a special place to visit, they’ll think ing for nearly 7,000 vehicles. of Houston first.

The facilities include the Hilton Americas“We want to involve all Houstonians Houston Hotel, George R. Brown Convention and to provide equal opportunities in not only Center (GRB), Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, economic employment and contracts, but also Wortham Theater Center, Talento Bilingue de in the enjoyment of our community’s attracHouston, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston First tions,” he said.

Outdoors (which includes Jones Plaza and other The latest attraction for Houstonians to smaller venues) and Theater District Parking. enjoy is Avenida Houston, meaning “Avenue” Phyllis Bailey Gerald Womack, president and CEO of in Spanish. It gets its name from “Avenida de Womack Development and Investment Realtors, las Americas,” the boulevard that fronts the said his mission as a Black board member serving GRB and runs from Minute Maid Park to the on Houston First’s Procurement Committee is Hilton Americas-Houston hotel. to advocate and “give Blacks new opportunities “It’s so interesting that we’ve taken what in business by providing robust opportunities to was previously a nine-lane road and created a participate in procurement and service contracts. hospitable public space that is engaging and “I’ve been in business for over 30 years and designed to enhance the Houston experience I’ve seen the disparity of African-Americans and for both visitors and locals,” said Peter Mcothers when it comes to business,” he said.

Stravick, chief development officer at Houston David Mincberg “Houston First is a huge company that First. brings in and controls millions of dollars. As Within the Avenida Houston campus, it someone who is from Third Ward – someone houses GRB, Discovery Green Park, Hilton who hasn’t forgotten where they came from – Americas and the new Marriott Marquis. now that I have a seat at the table to represent McStravick said the newly designed area the Black community, I make it my mission to includes numerous weekly events, public art, demand and see that African-Americans have lounge and patio space, and a host of restauopportunities to flourish and build.” rants.

As part of its commitment to the growth Up next for development, Womack said, and development of small, minority and womenis renovation of the park across the street from owned businesses, Houston First established a the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts.

Peter McStravick diversity program.

“We want to create a vibrant park for Phyllis Bailey, an African-American board member and locals to sit outside, enjoy the weather and retail shops, and member of Houston First’s Entrepreneurship Committee, perhaps a glass of wine – just an overall relaxing place to be,” he said. said it’s important to foster inclusion.

What’s more, Houston First wants to provide affordable “The diversity program ensures that certified, diverse housing in the downtown area for construction workers. contractors and suppliers can provide quality goods and

The George R. Brown Convention Center is one of the facilities managed by H

THINGS TO DO 4T

Friday, June 30 • Witness acrobats and contortionists perform all along Avenida near the George R. Brown Convention Center from p.m. to 9 p.m. | FREE Saturday, July 1 • The Holiday Hip Hop Brunch at Up & Down Lounge where DJs will be spinning rap hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s where dancing is highly encouraged. Tickets start at $7.

Sunday, July 2 • Majic 102.1’s Summer Block Party at the Cynthia Wo Mitchell Pavilion will feature performances from Jill Scott, BBD, Brandy, DJ Kid Capri, Ro James and more. Starts at p.m. and tickets start at $29.95 • Diana Ross in concert at Smart Financial Centre at 8: p.m. for $67.

• Summer Street Arts Festival at the Astorian, where lo artists and live music will be playing from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Houston celebration

Houston’s officia from 4-10 p.m. a per person thro and under. Visit

“A lot of our construction workers live outside of the city because they cannot afford to live within the area. We’re looking to produce ‘work force housing’ that is built somewhere close to downtown so our workers won’t have a far commute and spend a lot of

money on gas,” Wo To continue to opportunities for m community to get i First meetings and

defendernetwork.com • Serving t

BUD’S PITMASTER BBQ

“The concept behind Bud’s Pitmaster BBQ was developed from my family’s style of cooking BBQ,” said owner, Theldon “Bud” Branch, III, a fourth-generation pit master, who’s continuing his family’s legacy which began in the early 1920s in Bee County, Texas.

“My daughters Valerie Simpson and Tatiana Branch are helping me with the business to continue our family’s legacy,” he said, adding that their barbecue delivers flavors that combine smokehouse-made sauce and Theldon “Bud” Branch spices.

Bud’s Pitmaster BBQ is located inside the GRB and built adjacent to its own smokehouse.

KULTURE Kulture will soon be the newest restaurant operated by Marcus

Davis, owner of the famed Breakfast Klub. “It is an exploration of the cultural contributions of the diaspora from the continent of Africa through the Caribbean to the southern U.S. Coast,” Davis said.

“Kulture expresses its findings through food, spirits, art and music in a casually elevated yet comfortable dining experience.

Opening late July or early August, Kulture will be located on the ground floor of the Partnership Tower.

oods , 5:30

:00

ocal

Marcus Davis

MCALISTER’S DELI

TH OF JULY HOLIDAY

e and

9

Black businesses on Avenida

Houston First.

g the m7

defendernetwork.com

Tickets are $15.

Monday, July 3 • Ultimate Mega Fest Cooler Fete at Hobby Event Center – bring your own cooler and booze (no glass containers). Reggae and soca music will be playing from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tickets start at $30.

Tuesday, July 4 • Missouri City’s Independence celebration is at Buffalo Run Park, where rides, moonwalks, a rock wall, face painting and more will be available for kids from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. | FREE • All-day Splash Day at Community Pools in the Woodlands | FREE • Watch the fireworks and enjoy live performances at Eleanor Tinsley Park from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Live music and patriotic fireworks show over Galveston Bay at Kemah Board Walk | FREE For more information about holiday events visit 365thing-

Located inside the George R. Brown, McAlister’s Deli chain is known for its sandwiches, salads, desserts and sweet tea. It’s is owned by Stan Hatcher and George Johnson Jr. “Here at Avenida, my partner and I are very excited because we believe it’s a great location and will help us expand our business,” Hatcher said. “We now have the opportunity to do what no other McAlister restaurant has done, sell wine and beer.”

In addition to its new selection of beverages, McAlister’s offers dine-in and take-out services, as well as catering with a selection of sandwich trays, box lunches and desserts.

Visit www.avenidahouston.com/events/ for more information

George Johnson Jr.

Stan Hatcher

al celebration, Citgo Freedom Over Texas, is Tuesday, July 4 at Eleanor Tinsley & Sam Houston Parks. Admission is $8 ough July 3 online, $10 on July 4 and free for children 5 www.freedomovertexas.org.

omack said. o promote inclusion and more minorities, Womack encourages the involved by coming to Houston “allowing their voices to be heard.”

“The richness of Houston stems from its people, and without the people Houston wouldn’t be the great city it is today,” he said.

For more information visit www.houstonfirst. com/information/meeting-agendas/

the Houston area for over 85 years

Soaring through the Clouds and Wings Over Water are just two of the attractions at Avenida Houston.

10

DEFENDER |JUNE 29 | 2017

defendernetwork.com

New senior VP named at Allegiance Bank in various organizations. He is a member of the board of trustees of Huston Tillotson University, John Scroggins has joined chairman of the board of trustees Allegiance Bank as senior vice at First United Methodist Church, president community developand serves on the board of direcment lender. Scroggins is an experienced community banker with tors for the Third Coast Community Development Corporation. more than 37 years of experience He is a member in the Houston marof the Community ket. The announceDepository Institument was made by tion’s Advisory George Martinez, Committee for the CEO of Allegiance.

Federal Reserve “We are very Bank of Dallas. pleased that John has Scroggins earned joined our lending his B.S. and MBA team at Allegiance from Texas Southern Bank,” Martinez University. said. “John brings Allegiance Bank tremendous experiJohn Scroggins provides a diversience and energy to fied range of commercial banking our program. He has access to an attractive market segment that fits services primarily to area small to medium-sized businesses and perfectly with our commercial individual customers. Locally, banking focus. We look forward Allegiance operates 16 full-serto serving the many customers vice banking locations and one who have experienced the great loan production office. Visit www. service that John provides.” allegiancebank.com for more During his career, Scroginformation. gins has been an active leader Defender News Services

Students honored

The Ivy League Educational & Charities Foundation and Xi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. recently honored future pioneers.

The foundation promotes and provides financial support for education with the Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking, Development (A.S.C.E.N.D.) program. The event was entitled “Excellence Center Stage: A Salute to Scholars” and took place at The Ensemble Theater. June is graduation month for students participating in the A.S.C.E.N.D. Program, which strives to assist and prepare high school students for college and their impending careers. During the event, A.S.C.E.N.D. participants were recognized for either participating in or completing the program cycle. Pictured, front row (L-R): Amari Bingley, Setheelonia Handy, Tatina Pinkins, Re’Al Meyers, and Shelbi Woodard. Back Row (L-R): Chamelia Robinson,, Victoria McClain, Effie Wilkerson, Sheryl Garner, Tracey Lewis, Perry Timms, Jr., Roxie FosterMcKinney, Freddie Proctor, Bretha Evans, Regina Titus, Barbara Garcia-Powell.

T:9.75”

We invite you to attend:

Texas Lottery Commission Annual Historically Underutilized Business Forum T:6.5”

Location: Texas Lottery Commission | 611 East 6th Street | Austin, Texas

The forum will provide a brief overview of the TLC’s HUB program, procurement processes, and Mentor Protégé initiatives. The highlight of this event will be roundtable networking sessions with Lottery Commission staff and a number of our key contractor representatives. Roundtable assignments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the forum.

The TLC HUB Forum is FREE of charge!

Register on-line on or before 7/6/2017 at: www.txlottery.org/hub For more information contact: Eric Williams, HUB Coordinator: (512) 344-5241 eric.williams@lottery.state.tx.us

© 2017 Texas Lottery Commission. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

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Minority blood donors needed Defender News Services

According to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, more than 2.5 million people carry the sickle cell trait in the U.S. - mostly African Americans.

Eighty thousand people in the U.S. have sickle cell disease, and 1,000 babies are born with sickle cell each year.

That’s why Remington College Greenspoint Campus is holding a pair of 3 Lives Blood Drives and highlighting the need for minority blood donors.

Remington College created the 3 Lives campaign to recruit new minority blood donors and raise awareness of blood disorders. Minority donors - particularly African American donors - are in high demand because they provide blood with unique antigens that are vital for patients with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders.

Nationally, Remington College has collected more than 13,900 pints of blood through its 3 Lives Blood Drives. And since 1 pint of blood can save 3 lives, that’s enough blood to save more than 41,000 lives.

While the focus of 3 Lives is to increase the number of minority blood donors, everyone is encouraged to give blood at the event. Donors must be 17 years of age or older and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. All the blood collected will go to local hospitals and medical centers to help people in the Houston area.

Remington College Greenspoint Campus is located at 11310 Greens Crossing, Suite 300. For more on the 3 Lives program, visit www.3Lives.com.

Event dates:

Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25 Time: 5-8 pm on Monday and 9 am - 3 pm on Tuesday Location: Remington College Greenspoint Campus Blood partner: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

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DEFENDER | JUNE 29 | 2017

opinion

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Republican health care bill indecent, immoral

H

By REV. JESSE JACKSON SR.

ow devastating would the Republican health care legislation be if enacted?

Leighton Ku, a leading health care expert and director of the Center for Health Policy Research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, told NBC that, based on the Republican House bill, cuts in funding for Medicaid and health subsidies would trigger “sharp job losses and a broad disruption of state economies.”

“Within a decade, almost a million fewer people would have jobs,” he added. “The downturn would hit the states that expanded Medicaid the hardest.” That includes West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

This job loss wouldn’t be offset by the effects of top-end tax cuts. If the wealthy do create any jobs – which is far from likely – they won’t be located in the states and communities ravaged by the cutbacks in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.

Republicans hope to escape responsibility for this outrage by stealth and deception. The Senate bill was written in secret by a cabal of rich rulers –13 white, male senators. They permitted no hearings; the experts and hospital and Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News doctors’ associations that oppose it were not allowed to testify. Voters know little Leader Mitch McConnell wants a quick vote on the about it; most senators haven’t had time to read it, Republican health care bill. Push has come to shove. much less understand it.

The heart of the bill is a savage choice: to gut The deception is that the gutting of Medicaid is Medicaid – a program that covers one in five Ameriphased in over time, even as the tax cuts for the rich cans – in order to lavish tax cuts on the rich – an averare made retroactive to the beginning of the year. That age annual tax cut of $50,000 for millionaires. allows Republicans to claim the bill is gentler than the This is a humanitarian catastrophe. Medicaid isn’t harsh House bill when in fact it makes deeper cuts in just about the poor. It covers 39 percent of all children, Medicaid. It allows them to get past the next presiden- 49 percent of births and 64 percent of nursing home tial election without people understanding what will patients, not to mention extended care for millions of hit them. This brazen trickery is particularly shocking the disabled. Medicaid funding is vital for hospitals, in a bill designed to deprive millions of health care particularly those in poor and rural areas. coverage.

When all the cuts kick in, literally tens of millions The Republican plan is indecent and immoral. of the most vulnerable will be stripped of health care It will cost lives and jobs. It was hatched in secrecy coverage. Premiums and co-pays will go up across because it cannot survive the light of day. No senator the board, as subsidies decline. Workers over 50 will can vote for this bill with a good conscience. particularly be hit with soaring costs. Companies with Will Senate Republicans vote to deprive tens of more than 50 full-time employees will no longer be millions of Americans of health care coverage in order mandated to provide coverage, as they were under the to cut taxes for the very wealthy? Senate Majority Affordable Care Act.

This is a life and death decision. Bruce Siegel, president of America’s Essential Hospitals, a coalition of some 300 hospitals, said: “Let’s not mince words. This bill will close hospitals. It will hammer rural hospitals, it will close nursing homes. It will lead to disabled children not getting services…People will die.”

To add insult to this injury, the bill will also cost millions of jobs – particularly in rural areas and the Midwestern industrial states that gave Trump his electoral victory. In West Virginia, there are more people working in health care and social assistance than in the coal mines.

The Republican bill would savage those jobs and the families that depend on them to survive.

They say they want to make America great again, but this bill makes America suffer again. We’re going backward.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is a civil rights activist, minister and founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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13

JUNE 29 | 2017 | DEFENDER

Ice Cube creates new basketball league Defender News Services

1

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In the newest professional basketball league, the games are 3-on-3 and the stars are blasts from the past.

And it’s only in town for a day.

Big 3, a traveling summer league, is the brainchild of Ice Cube. It’s essentially a way for the rapper -- and fans -- to watch former NBA players handle the rock again.

That includes Allen Iverson, Ice Cube’s 3-on-3 basketball league will air on Fox Sports on Monday nights.

Chauncey Billups and Mike Bibby, coached by stars like The league will play in 10 cities this season, Dr. J, Clyde Drexler and Gary Payton. including Chicago, Los Angeles and Tulsa, Roger Mason Jr., the league commissioner, Oklahoma. Houston isn’t on the list – though told CNNMoney he thought Ice Cube and his organizers say they may add more cities collaborator, entertainment executive Jeff Kwatilater. netz, were “nuts” when they proposed the idea.

The rules are definitely different from Now he can’t believe it hasn’t been done before. the NBA: Big 3 will play on a half-court.

“There’s a nostalgia there of a fan that The first team to 60 points wins the game, watched those guys in the NBA,” Mason said. and halftime happens when one team gets “There’s also a younger fan that competes and to 30. Beyond the three-point arc are three plays 3-on-3 out on the blacktop and that will be circles where players can shoot four-pointers. interested to see our guys play as well.”

The players on the eight teams may be Big 3 is under way with four short backretired, but they’re not washed up. A comto-back games at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. bine and draft ensure that fans will get their One ticket covers all the games, and Mason said money’s worth. they’ll be affordable, starting at about $20 a seat.

“There’s plenty of guys that actually

continue to work out, that still work on their of Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant. skills and their game,” Mason said. “Those are While the league is strictly former NBA the guys that should be out there representing players, Mason said at some point there may the league.” even be former WNBA players.

For many of the players, it’s a chance to The league may be arriving at just the right play in front of their children, who never knew time. The International Olympic Committee just them as active NBA stars. announced that 3-on-3 basketball will debut as For the fans, they get to see matchups that an Olympic sport at the 2020 Summer Games are new, and rivalries that are both new and old. in Tokyo. And 3-on-3 is already popular around The current teams are set, but Mason said the the world: The NBA has its own Dew NBA 3X league is approaching newly retired players and Tour, a touring league that showcases amateur getting interest. Maybe we haven’t seen the lastT:4.79”players.

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. PLAY RESPONSIBLY. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2017 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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DEFENDER |JUNE 29 | 2017

sports

defendernetwork.com De’Aaron Fox

Fox leads talented group in NBA draft As a result of the trade Fox and Jackson, who were AAU teammates here in town, are reunited as teammates in the NBA. he NBA draft has come and gone “I’ve known him since I was younger,” Fox and the Houston area has once said. “He’s like a big brother to me. Now we’re again represented in a big way. going to the same team. I feel like the transition Four stars who played high school to Sacramento is going to be a lot smoother when ball locally were drafted. Kenit’s someone you know and you really like having tucky’s De’Aaron Fox and North Carolina’s around you.”

Justin Jackson were both first-round selec“It’s going to be good to have a familiar face tions. Kansas State’s Wesley Iwundi and the out there,” Jackson said. “Sacramento is a long way University of Houston’s Dameyean Dotson away, so to have somebody that I’ve been around were picked in the second round. and I know really well, that’ll be great.”

For Fox (point guard, 6-feet-3) a lot has Jackson, who pondered entering the draft folbeen accomplished in a short period of time. lowing his sophomore season, explained what he He was the fifth player selected overall, taking plans to bring to the Kings. his immense talent to the Sacramento Kings.

“It’s an honor to be picked by [Sacramento], The all-state knowing I’m going product from to an organization Cy-Lakes where I can get averaged 16.7 right to work,” said Rockets trade for All Star points, 4.6 Jackson. “HopeChris Paul assists and 3.9 fully I’m going to rebounds in bring somebody 29.6 minutes per game, starting in all but two that comes to work each and every day, works games for the Kentucky Wildcats in his lone extremely hard and does whatever he needs to college season. do to try to be successful, so I’m really looking “It’s gratifying being able to be in this forward to it.” position,” Fox said. “I’m just ready to get to H-town continued to represent in the second work, grow with the team. I want to be able to round with two additional selections. help the city turn the franchise around.”

Former Westfield standout and Kansas State Fox described what the Kings will get small forward Iwundi (6-feet-7, 205 pounds) was when he steps on the court. taken by the Orlando Magic in the second round, “Defensively I feel like I really separated 33rd overall. He led the Wildcats in scoring (13 myself because I go at people trying to score ppg.) and rebounds (6 ppg.) and was a third-team and get my teammates involved…I wanted to All-Big 12 performer as a senior. come in and be able to affect the game right “It’s an exciting moment in my life and away. A lot of people say I could be a franI’m ready for it,” Iwundi said. “The Magic are a chise changer, and that’s what I really want to young athletic team with a lot to look forward to. be.”

I think Orlando is a great city.”

For Jackson (small forward, 6-feet-8) the Former Yates all-state product and Houston draft is the culmination of a dream year. EarCougar Dameyean Dotson (6-foot-5 guard) was lier this spring the Tomball native starred on taken by the New York Knicks in the second the North Carolina team that won the NCAA round, the No. 44 pick overall. He became the championship, their second consecutive trip to first Cougar to be selected in the NBA draft since the finals.

Alton Ford was taken in the second round with The 22-year-old junior played in 40 the No. 50 overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in games last season for the Tarheels, averaging 2001.

18.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 32 minutes Dotson established himself as one of the per game. league’s top all-around players and was one of Selected by Portland with the 15th pick, only two to rank among the American Athletic he was traded to Sacramento for Zach Collins Conference’s top-10 leaders in both scoring (17 who had been the Kings 10th pick overall. ppg.) and rebounding (7 rpg.).

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

Justin Jackson

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Wesley Iw un

di

Dameyean Dotson

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h.s.zone Festive 2017 brings titles

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

A

festive 2017 spring brought an avalanche of high school sports state championships to Houston area high schools.

Cypress Falls High School got the hit parade off to a flying start with state title in boys’ Class 6A basketball. The Cy Falls boys finished the regular season as the first undefeated district champion in Cy-Fair ISD boys basketball history.

The 35-3 Eagles knocked off state-ranked Fort Bend Travis, Sam Houston, Atascocita and Fort Bend Bush in the playoffs before surviving a three-overtime win over Dallas Skyline in the state semifinals.

A 63-57 victory over San Antonio Wagner in the 6A state title game at the San Antonio Alamodome signaled the school’s first state championship. Head coach Richard Flores triumphantly watched guard Nigel Hawkins accept the state title game Most Valuable Player award.

The Manvel boys’ track squad won the Region III-5A team title.

It also marked the first state title for a Cy-Fair ISD boys basketball team since the twin tandem of Ronald and Donald Dunlap led Cy-Fair High School to a 72-58 win over Houston Wheatley in the 1971 large-school classification (Class 4A) state championship game.

Atascocita, Fort Bend Marshall, Brazosport and Cypress Ranch (girls) were other schools that enjoyed stellar seasons in high school basketball.

Marshall (5A) and Brazosport (4A) boys advanced to their respective state title games. The Cypress Ranch girls won the Region III-6A title and advanced to the state tournament.

The Atascocita boys were 34-0 in the regular season and entered the playoffs ranked No. 1 in the state (6A) before falling in the regional finals to Dallas Skyline.

The Woodlands and Manvel brought home boys’ team titles from the UIL state track and field meet in Austin.

Caleb Jolivette (100-meter dash) and Howard The Woodlands 4X200 meter relay unit helped bring home the 6A title.

Fields (400-meter dash) won Deer Park came up big in girls’ gold medals and the Manvel softball and boys’ baseball in 2017. mile relay quartet of Fields, The Deer Park girls came up Lawrence Murray, Kameron Find out which sophomore was a just short of a state title after elimipostseason baseball sensation Scott and London Harris nating No. 1 Katy in the Region IIIclaimed gold as the Mavericks 6A championship series by scores held off Port Arthur Memorial of 4-3 and 6-5.

(85-63) for the Class 5A team championship.

With a roster dominated by underclassmen Deer Park Manvel won its second state boys’ track and field team lost to eventual state champion Keller in the state semifinals. title in three years. Kesean Carter (100-meter dash), Cecil It was the fourth trip to the state softball tournament in six Gregg (long jump) and Adrian Piperi (shot put) won their open years for the Deer Park girls. However, the Deer Park events while the 4X200 meter relay foursome of Carter, Ethan boys led by Blake Martin, Clay Aquilar and championship Bonner, Jacob Barrett and Jake Lanier set a school and meet game MVP Adrian Gonzales earned the school’s first state record (1:23.81) in winning gold as the Highlanders won the baseball championship by disposing of Southlake Carroll 6A team title.

(3-2) and San Antonio Reagan (7-2) at the state tournament The Woodlands outdistanced George Ranch (60-54) for the in Round Rock. schools’ first boys’ state track title since 1999.

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JUNE 29 | 2017 | DEFENDER

15

sportsbriefs Rockets get Hartenstein As a result of the Lou Williams (Los Angeles Lakers) deal the Houston Rockets did not have a first-round pick in the recent NBA draft. The Rockets selected forward Isaiah Hartenstein with the 43rd overall pick and traded the rights to Dillon Brooks, the 45th overall pick, to Memphis in exchange for a future second-round pick. This past season, Hartenstein (7-0, 249) played for Zalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League. The 19-year-old also competed in the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit and represented Germany in three International Basketball Federation (FIBA) events. Hartenstein is expected to play on the Rockets Summer League squad in Las Vegas and spend next year in the European League for additional seasoning.

PVAMU in prime time Prairie View A&M University football’s 2017 home opener against Sam Houston State has been moved to a Thursday night contest and will be televised live on ESPNU. The Panthers and BearKats will play on Thursday, Sept. 7 at Panther Stadium, with kickoff just after 6:30 p.m. It is the second straight year the PVAMU football home opener will be televised live on ESPNU, as the Panthers defeated Texas Southern 29-24 on Sept. 4, 2016 in the inaugural game in the new venue. “We’re excited to again have our home opener nationally televised on ESPNU,” said third-year PVAMU head football coach Willie Simmons. “To have the opportunity to showcase our program against one of the top teams in FCS Football is a great honor and a great challenge.”

Heath retires at Pearland Tony Heath’s unprecedented 20-year run as head football coach at Pearland High School has come to an end. Heath announced his retirement following a meeting with his players. Heath, 55, is the most successful coach in the history of Pearland football. In two decades his teams went 195-53 with 18 playoff appearances. His 2010 team went 16-0 and won the large-school classification state championship with a 28-24 victory over then No. 1 Euless Trinity. The Oilers also played for the state title in 2013 before falling to defending state champion Allen. Prior to Heath’s arrival in 1997, Pearland had only won six games from 1990 until 1996. “I’ve been blessed to have a great run here in Pearland,” Heath said. “I knew the time was near when I might not be here much longer.” Heath’s new job will be in the sports construction business.

Flannel earns award The accolades continue to roll in for Alvin High School track and field standout Kynnedy Flannel. Following her exploits at last month’s UIL state high school track and field meet in Austin, Flannel has been named the 2017 Gatorade Texas Girls Track and Field Player of the Year. The junior won three individual open event gold medals in the Class 6A competition at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Flannel swept the 100-meter (11.43 seconds) and 200-meter (23.34) races while establishing a new 6A meet record in the long jump (21 feet, 2.75 inches). Flannel is now a finalist for two Gatorade national year-end awards.

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16

DEFENDER |JUNE 29 | 2017

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Conversations & Coffee

HISD Supt. talks to Black community

Superintendent Richard Carranza, Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles

CONVERSATIONS & COFFEE The Defender Media Group in partnership with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic hosted a Conversation & Coffee event featuring HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza at the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

Defender publisher Sonny Messiah Jiles interviewed Carranza in front of a packed house, posing hard questions about the state of education in HISD relative to its Black students and employees. Carranza addressed several topics, including plans to keep Worthing and other “low-performing schools” from conservatorship; fixing attendance penalties that offset federal funding from Title I; improving the educational and disciplinary outcomes of Black males in HISD; increasing teacher salaries; strategies for dealing with Recapture; and more. In attendance were KelseySeybold Clinic staff members: Dr. Tony Lin, Dr. Victor Simms, Dr. Eric Peterson, Ann Cook, and Jacqueline Preston to name a few.

In the audience were HISD School Board members Jolanda Jones and Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Deric Muhammad, Algenita Scott Davis, Georgia Provost, Pastor Suzette Caldwell, Lynden Rose, Patrick Trahan, Howard Jefferson, Jon Jackson, Sister Mama Sonya, TSU Regent Marilyn Rose, Delesa Thomas, Janaeya Carmouche, Kim Davis, Carolyn Scantlebury, and many others. Special thanks to the Defender team members who attended: ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Marilyn Marshall, , Jasemine Knowles, Clyde Jiles, Jodie B. Jiles, Margo Hubbard Williams, Aswad Walker and Jodie Jiles.

HISD Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones

Janaeya Carmouche, Johannan Thompkins, Ritza Sa’Aadat

Trustee Jolanda Jones, Superintendent Carranza, media

Ann Cook, Jacqueline Preston

Dr. Victor Simms

Pastor Suzette Caldwell, Lynden Rose

Georgia Provost, Howard Jefferson

Deitra Ford-Robinson, Delesa Thomas

Carolyn Scantlebury, Sister Mama Sonya, Dr. Pamela Boveland

Jasemine Knowles, Sonny Messiah Jiles, ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Kevin Hoffman

Cynthia Wilson, Kim Davis

Jacqueline Preston, Marilyn Marshall

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