Houston Defender: July 05, 2018 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

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BEN JEALOUS WINS MARYLAND PRIMARY, POISED TO BE FIRST BLACK GOVERNOR P3

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 87 | Number 36

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JULY 5, 2018 |FREE

NEWSTALK AL GREEN visits the border amid immigrant controversy

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Black colleges in

BARACK OBAMA urges Democrats to ‘stop moping’

FEATURE LEBRON JAMES happy to move to the Lakers

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AKA: SERVICE IN ACTION

Convention comes to Houston July 6-12 H PAGE 5

P11 TOP EVENTS

Cynthia Briggs and Pastor Juanita Rasmus at “Sistas the Musical” at the Ensemble Theater

P12

Drake

George Springer

After a public and brutal rap beef, Drake, who has been criticized by some as too commercial and too soft, is back on top and seemingly unfazed. Find out why his highly anticipated, new 25-track album is already topping the charts.

The Astros All-Star outfielder is hosting an All-Star Bowling Benefit to help send children from all socio-economic backgrounds to the George Springer MVP Camp SAY day camp, a lifechanging summer camp for kids and teens who stutter.

back on top

hosts camp benefit

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DEFENDER | JULY 5 | 2018

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Green says reunite migrant families now Defender News Services

Houston Congressman Al Green traveled to a childcare detention facility in Brownsville, Texas, to investigate the humanitarian crisis “created by President Donald Trump.” He called on the Trump Administration to reunite families separated at the border. Green also said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished to create an agency that is better balanced between immigration and enforcement, such that enforcement is not overemphasized and immigration is not deemphasized. “Young children should not be ripped from the arms of parents fleeing harm and seeking asylum,” Green said. “Children are held at Southwest Key Casa El Presidente, one of many childcare detention facilities, while their parents are detained in different facilities. “There, the parents wait for an indefinite amount of time for a judge to evaluate their case. Many of these children are at a tender age, younger than 5, and are susceptible to psychological damage that could follow them for years. These families need to be reunited to protect the wellbeing of these vulnerable children.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner was on hand for the start of the HBI Acres Homes Training Program.

Acres Homes program trains construction workers Defender News Services

Congressman Al Green

Green said the administration must right this wrong. “This is not a partisan issue,” Green said. “This is a human rights issue. You do not have to be a parent to sympathize. You only have to be human. America, the home of liberty and justice for all, should not give the rest of the world the impression that we have no regard for the mental and physical wellbeing of migrant families fleeing harm. “The nightmare of potentially losing your child forever has become the harsh reality for too many parents,” Green said. “We cannot stand idly by and allow this to continue.”

A new training program hopes to put skilled workers to work in construction, addressing a critical worker shortage that is hampering rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Harvey. Mayor Sylvester Turner joined executives from Home Builders Institute (HBI) and Norbord to celebrate the start of the HBI Acres Homes Training Program. Upon completion of the free, 12-week course, 14 young men and women from Acres Homes will have the skills needed to obtain jobs in the construction industry. The program is part of Turner’s “Complete Communities” initiative to upgrade infrastructure and spur economic development in five underserved neighborhoods across Houston. “I am proud of the young men and women who are learning the carpentry trade and look forward to seeing similar programs implemented across this great city to train the workers that are rebuilding a better and stronger Houston,” Turner said. After seeing the devastation wrought

by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Norbord, the maker of wood panels that are used in the construction trade across the world, was compelled to act by donating $1 million to HBI to train individuals to help rebuild hardhit communities. “This program is a shining example of the power of a public/private partnership coming together to address a critical need in Houston,” said Director Carlecia Wright of the Office of Business Opportunity. Rapper Slim Thug produced a recruiting video for the program that received more than 100,000 views. As co-founder of Boss Life Construction, he supports the program’s goals of addressing the labor shortage in the construction industry and advancing economic opportunities for young men and women. Launched in April 2017, the goal of the “Complete Communities” initiative is to ensure that neighborhoods across Houston have access to quality education, affordable housing, transportation options, green spaces, healthy food options, economic opportunity, and well-maintained infrastructure.

localbriefs THE FORT BEND ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES adopted its budget for the 2018-19 school year, at $634,633,006, or $8,360 per student. The projected student enrollment for the upcoming school year is 75,909. Due to a projected decrease in state funding, the budget reflects a reduction of administrative and utility costs. It also includes the costs associated with the opening of Ronald Thornton Middle School and reflects cost savings associated with the consolidation of some bilingual and prekindergarten programs. Eighty percent of the budget is allocated to instruction and support, while 17 percent is dedicated to the safety of students, upkeep of facilities, student transportation and technology. The resulting 3 percent

is allocated for administrative costs……..TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY and Tarrant County College signed a memorandum of understanding to create an academic pipeline between the two institutions. The agreement will provide a framework through TSU’s Tiger Connections program to develop processes to ensure that students transferring from a two-year to a four-year system will have a dedicated pathway to graduation. “Texas Southern will strengthen the bonds of higher education and serve more students through this partnership. Our cooperative effort will mean an increase in graduates with a baccalaureate degree that can serve Houston and the nation with an

educated populace,” said TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane……..FLOOD AID RECIPIENTS IN HIGHRISK AREAS are reminded to obtain insurance to stay eligible for repeat assistance. According to FEMA, if a community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and the property is in a high-risk zone known as a special flood hazard area (SFHA), homeowners are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance if they received federal disaster assistance for flood damage. Renters in SFHAs who receive federal disaster assistance for flood damage also must maintain insurance. For more information contact your insurance agent, call 800-4274661 or visit www.fema.gov/business/nfip.

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JULY 5 | 2018 | DEFENDER

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U.S.briefs A TEENAGER WHO WAS ON life support after being declared brain-dead nearly five years ago has died. Jahi McMath’s story reached people nationwide after the Oakland teen, who was 13 at the time, suffered severe brain damage during a routine tonsil surgery in California in 2013. Her mother, Nailah Winkfield, refused to accept the brain-dead diagnosis, relying on her faith as she sought medical care. Winkfield sued the hospital and is deciding whether to continue the legal fight in an attempt to spare pain for other families in similar situations……..A MARYLAND PRIEST CALLED THE POLICE ON a Black family while they were mourning during a funeral. Michael Briese, who is white, went on a rant at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay respects to Agnes Hicks, 54. One of the gatherers accidentally knocked over a church chalice, which Briese took personally. According to Shanice Chisely, Hicks’ daughter, he yelled, “There will be no funeral, there will be no mass, no repass, everyone get the hell out of my church.” Chisely said she was dumbfounded. “He disrespected our family. He called my mother ‘a thing.’ He said, ‘Get this thing out of my church! Everyone get the hell out of my church!’ It was very sad. I’ve never seen anything like that before.” The Archdiocese of Washington – which is conducting an investigation – and Briese both wrote letters of apology shared by local media…….. CALIFORNIA CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS addressed a series of recent death threats she received, telling would-be threateners to “shoot straight” because “there’s nothing like a wounded animal.” Waters was forced to cancel a pair of events in Alabama and Texas after threats. She said she has been harassed after calling for protesters to confront Trump administration officials in public over its “zero tolerance” immigration policy.

Obama offers Democrats tough love before midterms Defender News Services

Former President Barack Obama has reemerged into the political fray, delivering a message for troubled Democrats: Do more than just mope. Speaking at a recent party event, Obama warned that it is not enough to lament Donald Trump’s presidency or complain about the impact he is having on the country. Instead, Obama urged

Democrats to back up those concerns with action and avoid the belief that the party is bound to defeat Republicans in November. “If what you are doing requires no sacrifice at all, then you can do more,” Obama said. “If you are one of these folks who is watching cable news at your cocktail parties with your friends and you are saying ‘civilization is collapsing’ and you are nervous and worried, but that is not where you are putting all your time, energy and money, then either you don’t actually think civilization is collapsing... or you are not pushing yourself hard enough and I would push harder.” At one point, he turned to the crowd and declared, “Enough moping, this is a mope-free zone.” The fundraiser, the first Obama has done for the DNC this year, is a rare foray into electoral politics for a former president who has spent much of his time focused on two priorities: His forthcoming book, which he is writing by hand on a yellow legal pad, and the Obama Foundation, his non-profit that will eventually be housed in his Chicago library. At another later event, he urged Democrats to not grow complacent and at times validated their fears about the last 18 months. The fact that Obama has returned to the political fight will be welcome news for Democrats who have publicly pleaded with the former president to stop avoiding the day-to-day political drama. But his tough love message to the party is probably not what those Democrats expected. “I would caution us from extrapolating too much from a bunch of special elections and starting to think, ‘Okay, this will take care of itself.’ Because it won’t,” Obama said.

Maryland could elect its first Black governor VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 36 JULY 5, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Editor Max Edison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

Defender News Services

Ben Jealous, a progressive Democrat who previously served as president of the NAACP and executive director of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, has a shot at becoming Maryland’s first African-American governor – and the third elected African-American governor in the nation’s history. Jealous’ recent election win will pit him against popular incumbent Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in November. Jealous, a partner at Kapor Capital, a venture capital firm, was a Maryland co-chair for Bernie Sanders’s campaign in 2012 and a top 2018 prospect touted by Our Revolution, a Sanders-aligned group.

Jealous has sought to unite Sanders’s populist message with a focus on racial justice. “My path is basically the two communities that I’ve spent my career, the Black community and Black and Brown communities, and the progressive community,” Jealous said. The progressive wing of the Democratic Party is showing its electoral strength, notching a few wins in a handful of key primaries, after months of mostly moral victories. In New York, 28-year-old Alexandria OcasioCortez, a first-time congressional candidate and former Sanders organizer, provided the kind of big, signature victory that has eluded liberals this year, easily defeating U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley in a Democratic primary in Queens.

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JULY 5 | 2018 | DEFENDER

AKA comes to Houston

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

Houston will turn into a sea of pink and green as more than 20,000 women converge on the George R. Brown Convention Center for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s 68th Boule (biennial conference), July 6-12. The convention is expected to pump millions into the Houston economy. The last Boule took place in 2016 in Atlanta, where the city felt an economic impact of nearly $60 million. AKA members at the community garden dedication. AKA International President A THINKHBCU Expo will highlight Black Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson colleges as well as give students an opportunity to expects Houston to match that. prepare, apply and gain insight into HBCUS.The event “We’re expecting 19,200 registered attendees in is open to the public and takes place Saturday, July 7, Houston, and that doesn’t include the vendor comfrom 9a.m.-1 p.m. at the convention center. munity and other suppliers,” she said. “You’re talking During the convention, members will not only about one of the largest events of its kind worldwide. engage in acts of service, but they’ll attend workshops, “In Atlanta, the economic impact was based on leadership development activities and of course, bond hotel usage, shopping locally, transportation, restaurants with their sisters. Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover will be and more,” Buckhanan Wilson said. “When you add installed as the 30th international president at the all those things together, we expect that our impact conclusion of the conference. in Houston will be as equally as impressive. We’re With its 76,000 active members, Buckhanan also investing over a million dollars of our member Wilson says Alpha Kappa Alpha is poised to continue dues [not sponsorship dollars] into service projects to its mission worldwide, and she’s grateful Houston will deliver and lead sustainable projects in and around the Houston area.” The Houston region is special to the 110-year-old organization. Members www.DefenderNetwork.com turned out in droves to help during HurRead more about AKA International ricane Harvey, putting in countless volPresident Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson unteer hours cleaning up, manning food pantries and attending to those in need. Two AKA past national presidents – Dr. feel the impact of what the sorority was founded on. Mattelia B. Grays and Faye B. Bryant – live in Hous“For us, our experience becomes real after ton and the city boasts 14 graduate chapters and six we graduate college because then that volunundergraduate chapters. Buckhanan Wilson attended teer piece is what we do all day every day her first AKA national convention here 40 years ago. because that’s what allows us to carry forth “I’m very excited about the Boule coming to our mission of service to all mankind,” Houston because the thousands of members in the she said. Houston area have worked very hard to make sure every detail related to this Boule was not only thought AKA International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson about, but executed,” Buckhanan Wilson said. “They also wanted to make sure this event not only had an economic impact on the city of Houston but that would have an impact on the people that we serve in our community.” Buckhanan Wilson has made “Launching New Dimensions of Service” the theme of her administration. Through their “29 Moments of Service” leading Alpha Kappa Alpha (ΑΚΑ) is a Greek-lettered sorority, the first established by African-American colup to the 2018 Boule, AKA has provided backpacks to lege women. Membership is for women. The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, at the historically school children filled with nonperishable food and perBlack Howard University in Washington, D.C., by a group of sixteen students led by Ethel Hedgeman sonal grooming items, assisted with school uniforms Lyle. Forming a sorority broke barriers for African-American women in areas where they had little power and clothing, shelter and fed families, planted a comor authority, due to a lack of opportunities for minorities and women in the early 20th century. Alpha munity garden, built two Habitat for Humanity homes, Kappa Alpha was incorporated on January 29, 1913. and an initiative that’s particularly near to Buchanan’s Consisting of college-educated women of many diverse backgrounds from around the world, the heart, donated and raised awareness of HBCUs. sorority serves through a membership of more than 290,000 women in 1,007 chapters in the United States “We have raised a lot of money for HBCUs and several other countries. Women may join through undergraduate chapters at a college or university through our ThinkHBCU initiative but more imporor they may also join through a graduate chapter after acquiring an undergraduate or advanced college tantly, we put a big spotlight on those schools that degree. have produced so many of our nations treasures, particularly in Texas,” Buckhanan Wilson added.

History of AKA

DEFENDER | JULY 5 | 2018

SERVICE IN

29 worldwide so

ervice is a cornerstone of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As part of their international program theme, they’ve launched “29 Moments of Service,” a bevy of service projects taking place across the country, with emphasis on projects that impact the Houston community. Here’s a look at the projects that have been done, and will be completed when the convention wraps up July 12. #1: AKA Pop Up Food Pantry (Jan. 2018) AKA kicked off 29 Moments of Service at the 110th Founders’ Day celebration in Washington, D.C .by providing students at Howard University with healthy food and snacks. #2: We Feed Our People (Jan. 2018) AKA prepared 1,908 nutritious bag lunches for homeless citizens in the Nation’s Capital. This service project was performed in conjunction with “We Feed Our People” a 501c3 organization. #3: 19,008 Formula Project (Jan. 2018) As part of the Houston Metropolitan Area Chapters Founders’ Day Celebration Service Project, members took up a collection of $19,008 to purchase baby formula for L.I.F.E. Houston. #4: Pink Goes Red Women’s Health Symposium (Feb. 2018) Local members hosted a free symposium designed to educate and empower African-American women to live heart-healthy lives. The symposium included free health screenings, panel discussion with Q&A and a survivors’ testimony. #5: Community Garden Project (Feb. 2018) In partnership with the City of Houston and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), members cleaned up a park area and cultivated a community garden. The garden is designated as an Launching New Dimensions of Service AKA1908 initiative. #6: AKA 1 Million Backpacks (March-May 2018) Members collected 1 million backpacks to be distributed across the country to students in need. #7: “Houston Strong” Virtual Grocery Store

(March-May) Members purchased non-perishable items to be donated to support the fight against childhood hunger. Funds raised from this program activity will godirectly to Target Hunger, a Houston-based organization. #8: Ethel Hedgeman Lyle “She Deserves a Stamp” Day (March 2018) Members participated in a literary program activity in honor of Soror Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. #9: AKA Day at the Capitol-Day of A.C.T.I.O.N. (March-April) Members were asked to advocate for local, state and federal legislation that supports the goals of the sorority’s international program. #10 AND #11: Park Bench Dedications (April 2018) Members dedicated park benches throughout the metro-Houston area in honor of the AKA 1908 Playground Project and Think HBCU. #12: Undergraduate Activity (April 2018) As part of the official Undergraduate “Spring into Flourish SkeeWeek,” undergraduate members were asked to commemorate Skee-Week with a campus beautification day. #13: Acts of Green-Earth Day (April 2018) Members participated in a personal act of going green. The goal was to help end plastic pollution by using a social media campaign targeting Congressional representatives and asking them to support sustainable non-polluting, non-fossil fuel-based alternatives. #14: AKA Shred Day (April 2018) Members hosted a community shred day for residents to shred personal and business documents. #15: Community Project (May 2018) The partnership with the City of Houston had members work to revitalize a neighborhood under the city’s Complete Communities Initiative. #16: Playground Mobilization Day (May 2018) Graduate chapters around the world participated in AKA Community Impact Day by restoring, refreshing and renewing a recreational space so that children in our community have a safe place to play. #17: Let’s Get “Fiscally” Fit! (June 2018) In partnership with MoneyLIVE, Houston Area Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha hosted a boot camp for high school

students focused on being fiscally fit. #18: Habitat for Humanity-Build No. 1 (July 2018) Members of the sorority joined others in the community to build and dedicate one of two Habitat for Humanity Homes for local families in the Greater Houston area. #19: Houston Food Bank (July 2018) Members rolled up their sleeves for off-site meal packaging in order to produce the equivalent of a meal a minute while helping the Houston Food Bank sort and package food. #20: Boule Acts of Green (July 2018) Members committed to recycling paper, glass and plastic products during Boule week in the Convention Center. #21: Habitat for Humanity-Build No. 2 (July 2018) Members of the sorority joined others in the community to build and dedicate one of two Habitat for Humanity Homes for local families in the Greater Houston area. #22-25: “A Healthy Soror is a Happy Soror” Health Fair (July 2018) The sorority partnered with the American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, and NAMI to provide health screenings and educational awareness information. #26: CPR Demonstration (July 2018) Members were able to learn introductory training for hands-only CPR and how it might save a life. #27: Rise Against Hunger (July 2018) Members got to work packaging nutrient rich meals for those undernourished globally. #28: NAMI (July 2018) The sorority’s leadership performed 1,908 dance steps to demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of people with mental illness in the African- American community through a partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). #29: Think HBCUTM Expo (July 2018) High school students and families will be able to explore offerings at more than 50 schools at the THINK HBCU Expo. Participants will have the opportunity to learn tips to ensure that they are fiscally fit, and the expo features workshops and booths hosted by alums and college representatives.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

homes dedicated

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will join Houston Habitat for Humanity to dedicate two homes built by Houston-area sorority members, that will be given to two families in the Houston area in honor of two of the sorority’s preeminent pioneering leaders, former International Presidents Dr. Mattelia B.

Grays and Faye B. Bryant. Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Its vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

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Mattelia B. Grays

Read more about the project and two former HISD educators

Faye B. Bryant

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orority projects

Councilmember Amanda Edwards joins Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson and other sorority members at the Community Garden dedication.

Prairie View A&M University president Dr. Ruth Simmons accepts a $10,000 donation from the sorority.

Members of the Mu Kappa Omega Chapter collect backpacks.

Members at the AKA Shred Day.

Members of the Chi Omicron Omega Chapter working at Habitat for Humanity.

e Houston area for over 85 years

Texas Southern University president Dr. Austin Lane accepts a $10,000 donation from the sorority.

DEFENDER | JULY 5 | 2018

NOTABLE AKAS

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who pledged in college Founded in 1908 by Howard University co-ed Ethel Hedgeman, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was created to provide a support network for women with like minds coming together for mutual uplift and coalescing their talents and strengths for the benefit of others. The organization has grown into a force of more than 290,000 collegiate members and alumnae, constituting of 1,007 chapters in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Germany, Liberia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East. The sorority also boasts an accomplished group of honorary AKAs, including Jada Pinkett-Smith, Maya Angelou, Ava DuVernay, Alice Walker, Iyanla Vanzant, Julie Dash, Ella Fitzgerald, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, C. Delores Tucker, Suzanne de Passe, Cathy Hughes, Dr. Mae Jemison, Lynn Whitfield, Eleanor Roosevelt, Zina Garrison and C. Vivian Stringer. Members who pledged graduate chapters include Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston State Rep. Alma Allen.

Here are some notable members who joined while they were under graduates in college. • Phylicia Rashad, actress, Howard University • Loretta Devine, actress, University of Houston • Kamala Harris, U.S. senator, Howard University • Star Jones, Lawyer, TV personality, American University • Vanessa Bell Calloway, actress, Ohio State University • Toni Morrison, author, Howard University • Wanda Sykes, comedian & actress, Hampton University • Sonia Sanchez, poet, Hunter College • Cassandra Wilson, jazz musician, Jackson State University • Sharon Pratt, former mayor of Washington, D.C., Howard University • Althea Gipson, athlete, Florida A& M University • Stephanie Elam, CNN reporter, Howard University • Frederica Wilson, congresswoman, Fisk University • Jolanda Jones, HISD board member, University of Houston • Mia Knight Wright, pastor, University of Texas at Austin • D’Angela Proctor, TV executive, Spelman College • ReShonda Tate Billingsley, author & journalist, University of Texas at Austin

Houston natives

Phylicia Rashad

D’Angela Proctor

Trustee Jolanda Jones

D’Angela Proctor

Pastor Mia Wright

ReShonda Tate Billingsley

AKA public events

Tasha Smith

Cookie Johnson

Jesse Williams

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris

Think HBCU Expo – Saturday, July 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., George R. Brown Convention Center. The sorority will host the Think HBCU Expo showcasing historically Black colleges and universities as critical venues for moving students to and through college. Take Action Now Forum: Establishing the Alpha Kappa Alpha Social Justice Agenda – Saturday, July 7, 2-3:30 p.m., George R. Brown Convention Center. Join Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Congressional members in a moderated dialogue as they share strategies for how our membership can mobilize and participate in the upcoming election cycle. They will provide insight on how AKA’s membership can activate in a meaningful way and directly influence who governs us at the local, state and federal levels. Panelists include: U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, (D-CA); and Congresswomen Alma Adams, (D-NC); Sheila Jackson Lee, (D-TX); Terri Sewell, (D-AL); and

Frederica S. Wilson, (D-FL). Moderator: Stephanie Rawlings Blake, former mayor of Baltimore. Legacy of Leadership Public Meeting – Sunday, July 8, 6 p.m., George R. Brown Convention Center. Launching New Dimensions of Service: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership and Service in the Space City. The public meeting will highlight AKA’s global service mission and accomplishments and honor civic leaders, both locally and worldwide. Awards will be presented to local and international leaders during the event, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Who’s who attending the conference: Actor Jesse Williams, actress Vanessa A. Williams, actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, radio personality Donnie Simpson, actress Tasha Smith, musician Kirk Whalum, gospel artist Kurt Carr, TV personality Star Jones and Cookie Johnson, philanthropist and wife of NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

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entertainment

Drake emerges unfazed with new album Defender News Service

A month ago, Drake’s world was crumbling. Now, he’s untouchable. Pusha T’s infamous disstrack, which divulged new information about Drake while also shading his mother, father and bestie – hit Drake hard. Drake’s reply, or lack thereof, marked a low for the rapper-singer, who surprised music fans when he won his rap beef with Meek Mill in 2015. But Drake, who has been criticized by some as too commercial and too soft, is back on top seemingly unfazed. Fans who enjoyed the revelations in Pusha T’s “The Story of Adidon” are likely listening to “Scorpion,” the highly anticipated, 25-track album recently released by pop music’s No. 1 player. “It’s not going to hurt him,” Carl Chery, Spotify’s creative director for urban music, said of the diss track. “If Drake comes out with his new single, you’re not going to listen to it? Everyone is going to run and play it. And it’s going to become an Instagram caption.” “Scorpion,” which features songs with Jay-Z and a previously unreleased Michael Jackson track, includes the massive No. 1 hits “God’s Plan” and “Nice for What.” It’s expected to debut at No. 1, and it was already heavily trending on social

media ahead of its release. Over the last few weeks, Drake memes were also trending, but it wasn’t advance publicity he would have hoped for. Instead, the rapper – derided for being too sensitive by some hip-hop heads – was being roasted after the release of “The Story of Adidon,” which besides going for the jugular lyrically, also featured as its cover a photo of Drake in blackface (which the rapper explained was a publicity shot from his acting days from a project about the difficulties Black actors face). Pusha T started the beef with a line in his album

“Daytona,” and Drake responded with a whole track of digs in the song “Duppy Freestyle.” It seemed he won the battle until Pusha T released his track and Drake went silent. Damien Scott, Complex’s editor-in-chief and vice president of content and development, said that he thought Drake might have gone back in the studio to re-record “Scorpion” following Pusha T’s shocking revelation that Drake was a father (“A baby’s involved, it’s deeper than rap/We talkin’ character, let me keep with the facts/You are hiding a child, let that boy come home”). “I think that the diss had an effect on him personally and as an artist,” said Scott, who said the song wouldn’t put a dent in Drake’s professional career. “He’s never been in this space before. He’s never been on his left foot before and I don’t think he knows what that’s like.” For the first time Drake addresses his son in a song, rapping on “Emotionless,” which says, “I wasn’t hiding my kid from the world, I was hiding the world from my kid.” On the closing track “March 14,” he raps about being a single father and says, “She’s not my lover like Billie Jean, but the kid is

mine.” “He can still put this [album] out and get so much love in the midst of all of this other drama that’s happening,” said Cori Murray, entertainment director at Essence magazine. “He’s still beloved.” Scott said he calls Drake “the No. 1 pop star” because of the type of music he makes. “I don’t mean that in a derogatory sense,” Scott said. “I legitimately think he’s pop music in the way that Michael Jackson and Madonna were pop music, in the sense that they take all these influences and all these genres and use themselves as a filter through which they’re distilled into something brand new.”

what’sup KENYA MOORE is shutting down rumors of her firing from “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” The reality star recently posted on Instagram, “Unless you hear it from me, it’s fake news. Reviewing my latest offer now.” Rumors of Moore being axed as a main cast member began to swirl earlier this month amid reports that friends of the show MARLO HAMPTON and EVA MARCILLE might be joining the RHOA family full time. Show officials have not confirmed or denied Moore’s status…….. English singer and songwriter ED SHEERAN has been sued for at least $100 million for allegedly

copying large parts of MARVIN GAYE’s classic “Let’s Get It On” for his smash hit “Thinking Out Loud.” According to the complaint the song copies the “melody, rhythms, harmonies, drums, bass line, backing chorus, tempo, syncopation and looping” of “Let’s Get It On.” Sheeran, who has faced infringement claims before, has not responded to the claim. Earlier this year, a federal appeals court upheld a $5.3 million judgment for Gaye’s family against ROBIN THICKE and PHARRELL WILLIAMS for copying from another of his songs, 1977’s “Got to Give It Up,” for their 2013 smash “Blurred Lines.”……..Producer

LEE DANIELS is finally addressing what led to his confrontation with rap producer DAME DASH and confirmed that he owed Dash $2 million for investing in his first film. Daniels, who didn’t say why he hadn’t previously paid the money back, is planning to do so now……..Rapper 50 CENT is under fire for mocking actor TERRY CREWS for admitting he was fondled by another man in a now-deleted social media post. A petition is calling on Starz to end its relationship with 50 Cent in order to “send a message to the rapper and to all other potential producers and filmmakers that they will not tolerate this type of ignorance.”

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DEFENDER | JULY 5 | 2018

sports

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World Series MVP George Springer is spokesperson for the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY). His annual All-Star Bowling Benefit is Sunday, July 8, and raises funds for Camp SAY.

Astros George Springer hosts camp benefit By MAX EDISON Defender

About Springer

· Born 1989 in New Britain, Conn. · Played three seasons at UConn before being drafted by Houston in 2011 draft. · Made Major League debut in 2014 after being selected by the Astros from Triple A Oklahoma City. · In 2017 was the best leadoff hitter in the American League, made his first career All-Star Team, received a Silver Slugger Award and was named MVP of the World Series.

For the fourth consecutive year, Astros All-Star outfielder George Springer is hosting his All-Star Bowling Benefit. Proceeds from the benefit will help send children from all socio-economic backgrounds to the George Springer MVP Camp SAY day camp in Houston and Camp SAY, a life-changing summer camp for kids and teens who stutter. Springer’s benefit is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at Bowlmor, located at 925 Bunker Hill Road. It promises to be a memorable evening of bowling with Springer, fellow Astros, other professional athletes and celebrity lane captains. In 2014, Springer became SAY’s national spokesperson and has since inspired countless people who stutter. Last year alone, SAY provided more than $1 million in financial aid and underwritten tuition support so all youth have access to its programs, including Camp SAY, a two-week, accredited summer camp for stutterers ages 8 to 18. Camp SAY blends a traditional summer camp experience with programs and activities that empower young people. The camp also helps participants build

confidence, communication skills and friendships to last a lifetime. According to SAY, stuttering is a complex and often-misunderstood communication disorder that can cause interruptions in a person’s speech. Children who stutter often have feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety or discomfort about their speech. As many as 5 percent of young children and 1 percent of all people stutter. Springer, last year’s World Series MVP, has dealt with being a stutterer his entire life. The reason he supports an organization that helps youth that stutter is simple. “I can’t spread a message to get to adults if I’m not willing to put myself out there,” Springer said. “When you’re speaking to someone who stutters be patient. We know what we want to say, it might just take us a little longer. Plus, what we have to say is worth the wait.” He further explained why it’s important to identify with youth who stutter. “As the national spokesperson for SAY, I want to help kids who stutter build the confidence they need to pursue their dreams,” he said. “I encourage every parent to send their child who stutters to Camp SAY. It’s a lifechanging experience.” For more information on the bowling benefit and camp call 212-414-9696 ext. 201 or visit SAY.org/Springer.

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JULY 5 | 2018 | DEFENDER

LeBron heads to L.A. Defender News Service

For the second time in his career, LeBron James is leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers, this time for a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Unlike his two previous forays in free agency, James did not drag out his decision and made the announcement less than 24 hours after NBA free agency opened. This “Summer of LeBron” seems to be just kicking off. But outside of a small press release, James isn’t planning any LeBron James more comments and there won’t be a welcoming press conference or celebration in Los Angeles, a person familiar with his plans said on the condition of anonymity. James will make his next public comments on July 30 in Akron when he opens a public school started by his family foundation. The game’s biggest star will now

lead a young Lakers team – run by Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson – that has been overmatched in recent years while rebuilding. But the Lakers will instantly rise with James, a three-time champion who after being swept by the Warriors in this year’s NBA Finals said he is still driven and very much in “championship mode.”

DEFENDER | JULY 5 | 2018

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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

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SISTAS THE MUSICAL OPENING NIGHT AT THE ENSEMBLE…….. youth including mural paintings, community clean-ups and other services at parks, Director and choreographer Patdro Harris is at it again, bringing “Sistas the individual homes, churches and other venues. ELCA volunteers heard presentations Musical” to the stage at the Ensemble Theatre. Opening night was electric as patrons on Houston history and thanks from Mayor Turner, Councilmember Amanda of Black artistic excellence were out in force, welcomed by Ensemble leadership Edwards and Dr. Thomas Freeman. Attendees included Pastor Linda Davis, Carl Eileen Morris and Janette Cosley. The play, a journey through music, history and Davis, ELCA rep Rev. David Roschke, Pastor Marilyn White, Pastor John Eigege, memories, brought the standing room only crowd to their feet. Attendees included Ken abd Dolores Rodgers, Pastor Sylvia Bradshaw, Bishop James Dixon, Taha Pastor Juanita Rasmus, Detria Ward, Yunina BarbourJones, Ed Pettitt, Ohemma Zaid, Kirk Jackson, Chris Payne, Joey Roberts, Rosalyn Boyd, Michael Black, Spellmon, Gardell Sandford III, Mihn Strusz, Paig Winters Defender TOP EVENTS and Michael Helm, Saundra Wiley, Essence Felder, Loren countless others.……..CARIBFEST KICKOFF SUNDAY More photos on defendernetwork.com Holmes, Donielle Clemons, Rochelle Bell, Tara Thomas, FUNDAY……..Kicking off Caribfest 2018, entertainment Remona Barbour, Rennette Brown and many more…….. marketing agency Vic & Cos sponsored the Caribfest Kickoff FAITH IN ACTION HOSTS 30,000 LUTHERAN Sunday Funday Party at the Lincoln Bar. Billed as the “best VOLUNTEERS……..The Faith in Action Workgroup of the Emancipation daytime party for Carnival Weekend,” the event did not disappoint. Music, food, spirits Economic Development Council hosted over 30,000 youth volunteers in town for and a packed house of party-goers enjoyed an island vibe, Carnival fashion show and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s bi-annual conference. Working in the high energy. Attendees included party coordinator Jasmine Trier, Jackie Womack, partnership with Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative, Bryan Sims, Wendy Adams, Antonio Ross, Anthony Contaste, Amber Lee, Aaliyah Faith in Action coordinated citywide community service opportunities for ELCA Smith, Monique Detuncq, Alkaia Joe, Krystal Medlock, Deon Prescod, Tashiana

Patdro Harris, Janette Cosley

Essence Felder, Loren Holmes, Cedric Hicks

Mayor Sylvester Turner, ELCA volunteers

Pastor Linda Davis, Councilmember Amanda Edwards, Dolores Rodgers, Ken Rodgers

Dominique Jackson, Jasmine Trier, Kathryn Ducommun

Jackie Womack, Bryan Sims

Cynthia Briggs, Pastor Juanita Rasmus

Tom Gustafson, Gardell Sanford III, Curtis Hatcher Jr.

Sonia Richardson, Angie Rambaran

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