Houston Defender: July 07, 2016

MICHAEL JAI WHITE STARS IN ACTION FILM 'VIGILANTE DIARIES' P4

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Volume 85 | Number 36 JULY 7, 2016 | FREE

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ENTERTAINMENT

Sandra Bland

RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY book made into movie

P4 FEATURE LERECA MONIK crowned Ms. Texas 2016

1987-2015

ONE YEAR LATER H PAGE 2

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HS ZONE ASHLEY ROBINSON excited about PVAMU facilities

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Rep. Thompson runs for seat

Capt. Paul Matthews preserves history

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) is running for the Texas Senate seat vacated by Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis. Hear her message to the people of Senate District 13.

Learn about the attitude she would bring to the office.

As founder of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Capt. Paul Matthews is helping preserve an important part of American history. Read about activities surrounding the 150th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers and the museum’s role.

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TOP EVENTS

Rev. Leslie Smith II, Jonyha Brown and Helen Stagg at Change Happens! Kids’ University Graduation Ceremony

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DEFENDER | JULY 7 | 2016

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newstalk

Sandra Bland: One year later

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

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andra Bland was found dead in a Waller County jail cell on July 13, 2015. One year later after the inexplicable death, family members and social justice advocates alike are still searching for answers and changes that will prevent any such future tragedies.

Activist Deric Muhammad sees little progress since Bland’s death, which sparked protests and made national headlines.

“They named a street after Sandra Bland but are still doing business as usual on that very street,” Muhammad said. “Waller County court is still full of Black and Brown defendants. Black college students are still subjected to speed traps, profiling and racism.

The death of Sandra Bland was ruled a suicide, but some Blacks suspected foul play.

Nothing, to my knowledge, has inefficient for screening potentially suicidal inmates. The changed.” committee also held a hearing proving racial profiling is a Still, Muhammad sees some positives.

DPS reality.

“Millions more young people have been awakened “Conceding there are disparities in the rates Blacks to the corruption within America's criminal justice system and whites are pulled over, searched, and ticketed, DPS and dedicated their youthful energy to this and other still says they’re not violating the racial profiling statute,” causes,” he said.

Coleman said. “So we have to tweak the statute to reflect Immediately following Bland’s death, Houston State a racial bias we’ve proved exists.”

Rep. Garnet Coleman, who chairs the County Affairs Coleman sees Bland’s inability to be released on her Committee which is responsible for state jail standards, own recognizance because she didn’t have the money as began pushing to change broken polices that facilitated a sign Texas operates a debtor’s prison system, one that the tragedy.

Coleman’s committee created a new intake form that disproportionately impacts the poor and mentally ill.

He added he will work on such issues when the went online last October, replacing the one viewed as

Legislature is again in session beginning January 2017.

“The victory comes by not just dealing with Bland’s case, but with what her case says about the statewide system,” Coleman said.

Bland was arrested on July 10, 2015 and accused of assaulting Trooper Brian T. Encinia, who pulled her over for allegedly failing to signal a lane change. Three days later, Bland was dead in her cell.

Protests erupted as Bland’s family, Black Lives Matter activists and elected officials questioned Waller County officials’ claims that Bland committed suicide. There were calls for a homicide investigation.

Encinia was investigated and later indicted for perjury for lying about his account of the Bland traffic stop. He was eventually fired.

Bland's family filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit, and a jury trial in that case is scheduled for January 2017. The family seeks unspecified damages from DPS, Encinia, Waller County and two jailers.

In addition, Encinia could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine if convicted of the misdemeanor perjury charge.

Muhammad is calling for the removal of Waller County’s sheriff and district attorney, and for Blacks to boycott area businesses.

“If they don't respect our people, they should not enjoy the benefits of our dollars,” he said. “The Sandra Blands of the world are still not safe in Waller County.”

Thompson seeks Ellis’ state senate seat Defender News Services

One of the longest-serving legislators in Texas history, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), is running for the Texas Senate seat being vacated by Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis.

Ellis recently garnered the Democratic nomination to fill the Precinct One county commissioner seat vacated by El Franco Lee’s death, and will take the seat in January, as he runs in November unopposed.

"The people of Senate District 13 expect and deserve a voice in the Texas Senate that belongs only to them," Thompson said. "They demand a voice that

will protect their rights no matter the cost, fight for justice no matter the odds, and never lose sight of the fact that we are all created equal."

Democratic precinct chairs will select a Senate District 13 candidate on July 16. Their nominee will run unopposed.

Thompson said she hopes Democratic precinct chairs in Senate District 13 will choose a successor to Ellis “willing to uphold a tradition of excellence that dates back to the iconic Barbara Jordan, the first person to hold the seat, and the first African-American woman ever to serve in the Texas Senate.”

If elected, Thompson will be the third African-American woman to serve in the

Senate. She, however, will have to beat out any others who announce their candidacy.

Two such names that have been mentioned as possible competitors for the seat are Houston State Rep. Borris Miles and former city controller Ron Green.

For now, Thompson is the only candidate to formally announce she is in the hunt for the State Senate seat.

"For over 42 years, I've had the honor and privilege to work for the people of District 141 to make sure their voices are heard in their State Capitol. That's the same attitude I'll bring with me if I have the honor and privilege of sitting at the desk that belongs to the people of Senate District 13," she said.

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State Rep. Senfronia Thompson

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JULY 7 | 2016 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs DONALD TRUMP’S support among Black voters has plunged to a new low. According to a Quinnipiac University poll, just 1 percent of African-American voters supported Trump. That was well behind the 6 percent of the Black vote that went to Mitt Romney in 2012, and the 4 percent who supported John McCain in 2008.

In contrast, Trump’s Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, is receiving 91 percent support from African-American voters, the poll found……..

BALTIMORE STATE’S ATTORNEY Marilyn Mosby, a Black woman, has received death threats, harassment and racist comments via email following two acquittals and one mistrial in the Freddie Gray case. Critics have pointed fingers at Mosby after she failed to secure convictions against police officers charged in Gray’s death. A Maryland legislator launched a petition calling for Mosby to step down and a George Washington University Law professor filed a formal complaint with the Maryland’s Attorney Grievance Commission.

Five of the six officers charged in Gray’s death are suing Mosby as well. Gray died in April, 2015, a week after his neck was broken while he was in the back of a police van. His death set off protests and riots……..THE WHITE HOUSE Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities is under a leadership transition.

Ivory A. Toldson is leaving his position as executive director and will be replaced by Deputy Under Secretary of Education Kim Hunter Reed, who will serve as acting executive director of the Initiative........TEACHERS IN LOW-INCOME SCHOOLS are pessimistic about education technology. An Education Week survey found that teachers who are least confident about education tech tend to work in high-poverty and urban schools. Overall, the main study found that teachers “face systemic challenges in adapting their instruction to new technologies in transformative ways.” The teachers also reported greater barriers to using technology in the classroom.

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 36 JULY 7, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

Editors Aswad Walker Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers ReShonda Billingsley Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison

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

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Justice Dept. mandates bias training for personnel

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memo to DOJ employees that implicit bias “presents unique challenges to effective law enforcement because it can alter where investigators and he Black Lives Matter Movement scored prosecutors look for evidence and how they analyze a victory as the Department of Justice is it without their awareness.” making mandatory implicit bias training Multiple studies reveal racial bias against Blacks for its 33,000 federal agents and lawyers. exist in healthcare, media presentations, education, For more than a year, Black Lives housing, banking, and criminal justice, including Matter protesters have demanded change within sentencing and general interactions with law the American justice system. The DOJ’s mandatory enforcement. training move Prior to the to stop agents’ announcement, the and prosecutors’ DOJ was criticized personal biases from for telling local police impacting their departments to create prosecution of people policies against biases, of color appears to be while not implementing a direct response. a plan of their own.

“Our officers are Many believe the DOJ more effective and implicit bias trainings our communities are will put pressure on more secure when state and local law law enforcement has enforcement agencies the tools and training to follow suit. they need to address Kristin Clarke, today’s public safety CEO of Lawyers’ challenges,” said Committee for Civil Attorney General Rights Under Law, said Loretta E. Lynch. the DOJ’s mandatory “At the Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the Justice Department seeks to promote fairness. implicit bias training Department of is an “important first step in helping to raise the Justice, we are committed to ensuring that our own standards of policing.” personnel are well trained in the core principles Clarke, however, warned about expectations and best practices of community policing. Today’s about the impact of the program, reminding announcement is an important step in our ongoing observers that the DOJ program focuses on implicit efforts to promote fairness, eliminate bias and bias but does nothing to address “outright racial build the stronger, safer, more just society that all [hate] that some police officers harbor” towards Americans deserve.” certain racial groups.

Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates said in a Defender News Services

Brexit projected to impact Blacks’ money Defender News Services

Brexit, the decision by the Great Britain electorate to leave the European Union (EU), is now grabbing Black people’s attention as it could impact their 401k money.

The true consequences of Britain exiting the EU according to analysts will likely be gradual.

However, the immediate impact on stock prices has proven quick and brutal. For some Black families, heavy losses in their stock-driven 401k plans could spell trouble.

Douglas and Theresa Moser, for example, had little interest in the U.K.’s debate to “leave”

or “remain” in the EU. The Mosers readily admit not knowing whether Brexit was precipitated by racist and anti-immigration propaganda, as some argue, or simply the country’s desire for political and economic autonomy.

But when the U.S. stock market began an aggressive decline following the U.K.’s departure vote, the Maryland couple realized their 401ks and children’s college savings plans could be jeopardized.

“We were already earning so little with our 401ks that we considered moving the money into other accounts, but we were told that the last thing we should do is pull money out when the system is already unsteady because it further taxes the system,” Douglas Moser said.

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DEFENDER | JULY 7 | 2016

entertainment

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Michael Jai White stars in ‘Vigilante Diaries’

really fun romp.

KW: Tell me a little about the guy you play, Barrington?

MJW: He's sort of a rogue CIA Agent who's pulling strings ighly trained martial artist and actor Michael Jai White has all over the place. You can't tell if he's a good guy or a bad guy. broken barriers as a Hollywood star and international box office I think that's indicative of all the characters. It's kind of a dark sensation. With his agile abilities and physique of a bodybuilder, comedy. The good thing about the movie is that you just can't White has earned respect for his versatile talents both on and off tell where it's going to go. screen.

KW: I won't spoil the ending of the film, but let me He has appeared in such films say I was definitely shocked as “Exit Wounds,” “Undisputed 2,” by one of the surprising defendernetwork.com “Silver Hawk,” “Blood & Bone,” developments involving Learn more about Michael Jai White “Black Dynamite” and Tyler Perry’s your character.

“Why Did I Get Married” and “Why MJW: Yeah. It's Did I Get Married Too.” one of those movies Here, he talks about his new movie, “Vigilante Diaries,” an action where you find yourself saying, "Wait a minute. Where thriller starring Paul Sloan, and featuring Michael Madsen, Jason Mewes, are we now?" It's an action movie that's not trying to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Danny Trejo. pretend to be anything other than that.

KW: What interested you in this crazy action film, Vigilante Diaries?

KW: Does the movie have a message, or should MJW: I was one of the players invited to the party, and I had fun people just sit back and enjoy the action? at it. Paul Sloan, the picture's scriptwriter and lead actor, invited me to MJW: I'd say just sit back and enjoy the action, and also the join the project, as did Christian Sesma, who directed it. And it became a laughs, because there's a lot of funny stuff in the movie as well.

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

Billingsley novel comes to TV One “The Secret She Kept,” based on the best-selling novel by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, will premiere on TV One on Sunday, July 10 at 6 p.m. It stars Gavin Houston, Kyla Pratt, Kellita Smith and Vanessa A. Williams.

In “The Secret She Kept,” Tia Jiles (portrayed by Pratt) has just married the man of her dreams and is on the brink of launching a major political campaign when a pattern of erratic behavior leads her husband to uncover her secret: she suffers from mental illness.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley

"So often, we trivialize that someone is just 'crazy' and we don't recognize that mental illness is real and relevant,” said Billingsley, a Defender contributing writer.

“I wanted to show not only was this something that deserved our attention, but that we shouldn't be ashamed to seek help. If our bodies are sick, we get help. I wanted to de-stigmatize the shame that often keeps us from seeking treatment when our minds are sick.”

what’sup CHERYL BOONE ISAACS is taking the #OscarsSoWhite criticism to heart and instituting change. Back in January, Isaacs, president of the Oscar-granting Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, announced the academy’s plan to double the number of women and members from diverse backgrounds by 2020. The academy took the first important step toward that goal by inviting 683 new members into the fold, which doubled the number of 322 invited last year. The academy came under fire during the most recent awards presentation because all of the actor and actress nominees were white ……..Actress and conservative commentator STACEY DASH called “Grey’s Anatomy” star

JESSE WILLIAMS a “Hollywood plantation slave.” Dash attacked Williams following the moving speech on race and police brutality he gave after receiving a Humanitarian Award during the BET Awards. “If anyone is GHETTOIZING anyone, it’s people like you letting the BETs and other media outlets portray us in stereotypes,” Dash said in her blog……..ED GORDON is hosting Bounce TV’s first primetime news program. Gordon, an award-winning and well-respected journalist, will produce and host the series of one-hour specials in which he’ll sit down for revealing interviews with top headline makers, entertainers and pop cultural figures. “We

are going to produce the kind of program I have always wanted to do. We’ll provide perspective and give our audience a more complete picture of the major issues,” Gordon said….….Black Girls Rock! Founder BEVERLY BOND will celebrate Black women in another way. Bond is all about sisterhood and this time, she’s showing it by celebrating other phenomenal Black women and girls in a new book that is set for release in fall 2017. Black Girls Rock! is a mentoring organization that also hosts an annual awards show. Bond’s book is titled “Black Girls Rock!: Celebrating the Power, Beauty and Brilliance of Black Women.”

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JULY 7 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | JULY 7 | 2016

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Student aid feedback wanted

Lone Star College Chancellor Dr. Stephen Head (seated, left) and Texas Southern University President Dr. Austin Lane sign an articulation agreement.

TSU, Lone Star develop academic partnership Texas Southern University President Dr. Austin Lane and Lone Star College Chancellor Dr. Stephen Head signed an articulation agreement between the two institutions.

The plan will facilitate transfers, recruitment, and admission and advising for prospective students registered in the Lone Star College System. The establishment of the agreement provides the framework to develop programs that will enhance the educational experience of students attending both Lone Star and TSU. The articulation agreement is Lane’s

first official act as president since being named to lead TSU on June 7. The signing ceremony was held at Lone Star College’s Victory Center and was attended by students, administrators and board members from both institutions, as well as community members.

“We wanted Lone Star to be the first community college that we partnered with to strengthen the bonds of higher education,” Lane said.

“Lone Star students are the population that we want to attract to Texas Southern. We are going to work in an aggressive manner and ensure that

interested students know how to get from the community college system into a direct track that ends in a bachelor’s degree.”

The agreement includes a plan for credit transfer, data sharing, and benefits for transfer students. TSU will accept a minimum of 60 semester credit hours that can count toward obtaining a baccalaureate degree.

“I’m optimistic about the future relationship between Texas Southern and Lone Star College,” Head said.

“This relationship is about providing an opportunity to succeed for students at both institutions.”

The U.S. Department of Education has launched the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Feedback System, an online portal that allows customers to submit complaints, provide positive feedback, and report allegations of suspicious activity regarding their experience with aid programs.

The creation of the system fulfills one of the primary objectives of President Obama’s 2015 Student Aid Bill of Rights. Customers can access the system at https:// feedback.studendaid.ed.gov/ "The FSA Feedback System provides an easy way for students, parents, borrowers and others to file complaints about their experiences with federal aid programs, which we will use to improve the experience for current and future borrowers," said U.S. Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS

Sesquicentennial Commemoration BE A PART OF HISTORY!

Join the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) in Houston, Texas, the 150th Anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers Houston Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark, Houston, Tx. 77042

Leave A Legacy Buy A Brick

HONOR - VALOR - COURAGE

JULY 28, 1866 - JULY 28, 2016 For more information call:

713-942-8920 www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

Create a lasting memory, honor a veteran, cheer your alma mater, promote your business, surprise a friend, or remember a special date or event with a Legacy Brick. Great for birthdays and anniversaries! For a donation of $175.00 (minimum) purchase a one-of- a-kind engraved brick to preserve the historic 1925 Houston Light Guard Armory in the Soldiers Plaza of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

Bricks are 4”x8” with three lines and a maximum of 13 characters per line. $175 - standard brick/ $400 – Granite

SCHEDULE Thursday, July 28, 2016 8:30 am – 9 am Capital Salute: Trooper Pollard 10 am – 2 pm Vision Quest Kids Program 4 pm – 5 pm History & Genealogy Part 1

Friday, July 29, 2016

7am – 9 am Prayer Breakfast: Speaker- Dennis Brown 10 am – 12 noon History Presentations: Speaker – Troopers Nash, Page 1 pm – 3 pm Theatrical Production 3 pm – 4 pm History & Genealogy Part 2 5 pm – 7 pm High Tea

Saturday, July 30, 2016 9 am Parade, Tour, Encampment, Lunch 7 pm Banquet: Speaker–Frank Jackson (PVAMU), Presiding Officer-Bobby McDonald

T:4.79” S:4.29”

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JULY 7 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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Disaster unemployment assistance available Victims affected by severe storms and flooding which began on May 26 and continued over several weeks may now apply for disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) in five counties as a result of an amendment to the presidential disaster declaration.

The counties are Harris, Fayette, Kleberg, Palo Pinto and Parker. Workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to the storms and flooding may apply for DUA. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, Aug. 4.

DUA is available to individuals who: • Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits from any

state, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits • Worked or were self-employed or were scheduled to begin work or selfemployment in the disaster area • Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster • Establish that the work or selfemployment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income • Cannot perform work or selfemployment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster Visit www.twc.state.tx.us or call 800939-6631 for more information.

Houstonian crowned Ms. Texas 2016

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T:13”

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Houstonian Lereca Monik is now the reigning Ms. Texas 2016 and will represent the Lone Star State in the Ms. America Pageant on Sept. 3 in Brea, Calif.

“I feel so honored and blessed that I have been given the opportunity to represent the state of Texas in the [pageant],” Monik said. “My mission for the next year is to help others see their greatness.”

Though Monik, who earned a Bachelors of Science in Human Services and Consumer Sciences and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Texas Southern Lereca Monik University, is preparing and encourage them to use their for the fall pageant, she “crown for a purpose” by actively is making the most of her role as engaging in community service.

Ms. Texas.

The September pageant in “So far, this journey has been amazing and I am forever grateful which Monik will compete is for the connections, opportunities, open to women 26 and older who are single, divorced or married. and relationships that this Women from across the U.S. experience will bring,” she said. will compete in the interview, The mission of the Ms. sportswear and evening gown America Pageant is to celebrate rounds. the accomplishments of women

FREEDOM TO SAVE   FREEDOM FROM INTEREST   FREEDOM TO CHOOSE  

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DEFENDER | JULY 7 | 2016

BUFFALO SOLDIERS

cente

150TH ANNIVERSARY

The original Buffalo Soldiers played an important part in American history.

Houston museum part of celebrati

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By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

he Buffalo Soldiers National Museum has reason to celebrate. A century and a half ago Black soldiers called Buffalo Soldiers first served in the American military.

Beginning Monday, July 25 through Saturday, July 30, the museum will be the site of activities celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers, as part of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association Annual Reunion.

In addition, the Houston museum has been chosen as national headquarters of the association, the umbrella organization of more than 40 Buffalo Soldiers’ chapters across the country.

Founded in 2001 by Captain Paul J. Matthews, an Army Vietnam veteran and African-American military historian, the museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Buffalo Soldiers.

The exhibits cover seven wars, along with women in the military, chaplains in the military and astronauts.

For more than 35 years, Matthews has collected military artifacts and has the largest collection of African-American military memorabilia in the world. The museum offers programs and projects that reach out to community members of all ages.

Matthews said the upcoming anniversary marks a milestone in American history.

“In 1866, the U.S. Army reorganized and established the

Capt. Paul Matthews

first peacetime Army,” he said. “As a part of the reorganization they created six Black units. This July 28 will be the 150th anniversary of the formation of those segregated units. We’re very excited about that. We will have our headquarters at the Houston Westchase Marriott and related activities at the museum.”

In a one-on-one interview, Matthews discussed the reunion celebration, the museum and the Buffalo Soldiers, brave African-American men who served in a variety of posts in the 1800s.

Defender: What sparked your interest in the

Buffalo Soldiers?

Matthews: While I was an ROTC cadet at Prairie View A&M 200 University I read two paragraphs in a military book about the of 2 Buffalo Soldiers and became intrigued by the Black men in blue goe uniforms…it was a story that needed to be told. volu Defender: Why is it important for African-Americans to are learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and Blacks in the military? of a Matthews: I take them back to Frederick Douglass defendernetwo who said at the start of the Get a national pers Civil War, “Give the colored on the Buffalo So man a uniform, a buckle with the U.S. on it, a button with the eagle on it and a musket and you’ll make him a citizen but you’ll goin also make him a man.” He wanted to make sure the Civil War was [loc being fought for freedom and not just to save the Union. are The same thing occurred in World War I. W.E.B. DuBois whe said, “Put aside your differences, go overseas, come back and be from first-class citizens.” The military has always been a very important form component of the Black community. When I was growing up in La Marque, Texas, and we would go to church, World War II soldiers sess would come in and people would stand up. In the '60s when you para graduated from high school it was either the Army or college. ove That’s the way it was. The military, other than the Vietnam era, the was always extremely popular in the Black community.

Defender: How would you describe the museum’s success? mor

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

erfold

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Buffalo Soldiers facts

ation was adopted act of Congress, legisl an gh ou thr , 66 18 In its. The units were an-American Army un ric Af all six ate cre to d the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 10th Cavalry an 9th the as d fie nti ide regiments were later ts. The four infantry en im reg try fan In st and 41 regiments. th and 25th Infantry 24 the rm fo to d ize reorgan k professional resented the first Blac rep n me ng hti fig e es Th me from varied army. The recruits ca me eti ac pe a in ers ldi so terans from former slaves and ve ing lud inc s nd ou gr ck ba ar. service in the Civil W s th Cheyenne warrior lo Soldiers began wi lo. ffa Bu ild The nickname Buffa sW eyenne translation wa in 1867. The actual Ch fierce fighting the r fo ct pe res en out of The nickname was giv S. Cavalry. ability of the 10th U. ric term for all ldiers became a gene Over time, Buffalo So 9th and 10th U.S. ldiers serving in the African-American so Regiments. and 25th U.S. Infantry Cavalry and the 24th Buffalo Soldiers s and early 1900s, the During the late 1800 solate posts. harshest and most de were assigned to the n revolutionaries, ed subduing Mexica Specific duties includ ns. Additional rring Native America wa d an ers stl ru , ws outla mapping the luded exploring and inc s tie du e tiv tra nis admi e towns. hing outposts for futur lis tab es d an st we South ers National Museum Source: Buffalo Soldi

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How the community can help

T h e B u ff al o S o ld ie rs N at io o n su p p o rt er s n al M u se u m re li es to k ee p it s d o o rs o p en . Tw co m m u n it y ca o w ay s th e n h el p in cl u d e: 1 . B ec o m e a m em b er. M u se u m m em b er ra n g es fr o m $ sh ip 3 5 fo r st u d en ts an d se n io rs fo r it s h ig h es to $ 5 0 ,0 0 0 t le v el o f co rp o ra te m em b er m o st p o p u la r sh ip . T h e m em b er sh ip is $ 4 5 fo r in d iv w h ic h in cl u d id u al s, es u n li m it ed fr ee m u se u m fo r o n e y ea r, ad m is si o n d is co u n ts o n g if t st o re m er m u se u m re n ta ch an d is e an d ls , in v it at io n s to sp ec ia l ev en q u ar te rl y n ew ts an d a sl et te r su b sc ri p ti o n .

2 . B u y a b ri ck . T h e m u se u m L eg ac y … B u y ’s “L ea v e- A -A -B ri ck ” P av er P ro g ra m al d o n o rs to cr ea lo w s te a la st in g m em o ry b y p u rc o n e- o f- a- k in d h as in g a en g ra v ed b ri ck p er m an en tl y o n th e m u se u d is p la y ed m ’s S o ld ie rs P la za . B ri ck s an d ca n h o n o st ar t at $ 1 7 5 r a v et er an , p ro m o te a b u si a fr ie n d , ch ee n es s, su rp ri se r an al m a m at er o r co m m em sp ec ia l d at e o o ra te a r ev en t.

F o r in fo rm a ti o n ca ll 7 1 3 -9 4 2 -8 9 2 0 .

ion

Matthews: We started out in my garage and on January 5, 01 we moved to a building on Southmore Blvd. In November 2012 we moved to a 35,000 square foot historic building that es back to 1925. That’s a tribute to the board of directors, unteers and troopers who helped us become who we are. We the mothership of Buffalo Soldier museums. I don’t know any other military museum that can compare to us and what we do.

Defender: What are some ork.com of the activities planned for the spective celebration? oldiers Matthews: One of the highlights will be a parade that’s ng to start at Emancipation Park and end up at the museum cated at 3816 Caroline]. We have 150 riders on horses that going to come in. One group is coming from New Orleans, ere the 9th Cavalry was formed. The other group is coming m Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where the 10th Cavalry was med.

Events include a ceremonial ride-in on that Thursday, a sion on the history of the Buffalo Soldiers on Friday and a ade on Saturday. We are expecting over 2,000 people from all er the U.S. The Houston chapter is the host chapter along with museum and I am the national chair for the reunion.

Visit www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com or bsr150.com for re information.

he Houston area for over 85 years

Members of the Houston chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, shown at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, are preparing for the July 25-30 reunion and celebration.

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DEFENDER | JULY 7 | 2016

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10 time management tips for business owners Most of us have felt swamped at one time or another and business owners are no exception. With hectic work schedules, family responsibilities, and social engagements, there just doesn't seem to be enough time for everything we need and want to do.

The first step in learning how to manage your time is to develop a general work schedule. Your work schedule should include time for yourself as well as time for the maintenance of your business. Here are 10 tips from the SBA. 1. Contract out tasks you do not have the expertise to complete. Your client will appreciate your honesty and effort to get the best result.

2. Start with the most worrisome task.

This will reduce your anxiety level for the next task.

3. Complete deadline work early. Not only will this reduce stress and lighten your work schedule, but it will also give you more self-confidence about managing your schedule.

4. Know your capacity for stress. When you are hitting overload, take the break you need (even if it is a short one) when you need it.

5. Stay organized. Take time at the end of each day to briefly organize your desk and

make reminder lists of tasks for the next day or week.

6. Take advantage of down time. Allow yourself some down time between busy periods to review your schedule and reevaluate your priorities.

7. Get physical. Exercises such as walking, bicycling, swimming or organized sports activities helps to discharge stress. Stretching, yoga, jumping rope, sit-ups, playing with children, or doing yard work are other types of therapeutic breaks you should consider during times of stress.

8. Have fun. A good sense of humor can keep most problems in perspective.

9. Divide up your time. Decide how much time to spend on business development, personal needs, volunteerism and family. Start by allowing 25 percent of your time for yourself. Each time you make a commitment, set a timeline for your involvement.

10. Build flexibility into your schedule.

Your availability to family and friends depends on the flexibility you build into your schedule. Female business owners frequently have the primary responsibility for making sure family members are cared for when they are dependent or ill, so it's necessary to leave some time in your schedule for emergencies or to have good backup resources.

Johnny Hollins – JG Hollins Builders & Justin Vickrey – Vice President, Allegiance Bank

A PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT. A FOUNDATION OF TRUST.

At Allegiance Bank, we don’t just serve our customers, we’re completely dedicated to their success. So it’s only natural homebuilder Johnny Hollins banks with us. Says Johnny, “Allegiance is more than a bank to your business. It’s a partner, too.” If you’re looking for a bank that feels like home, give Allegiance a call.

281-894-3200 16 locations AllegianceBank.com/def ABTCO-124 June Defender Ad_MECH.indd 1

5/24/16 9:11 AM

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JULY 7 | 2016 | DEFENDER

opinion

11

Appreciating Congressman John Lewis

I

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX

have always had enormous admiration for Congressman John Lewis (DGA), and that admiration increased exponentially when I watched him lead dozens of his Congressional colleagues in a sit-in on the floor of Congress to force a vote on gun control.

As the supercilious Paul Ryan called for “decorum” (where is the decorum in a man walking into a nightclub with an automatic weapon and gunning 49 people down), determined Democrats disrupted proceedings in the House of Representatives.

Right on.

Congressman Lewis tweeted, “Sometimes you have to get in the way. You have to make some noise by speaking up and speaking out against injustice & inaction.”

He is frustrated, as are many voters, about the fact that Congress has failed Daryl Cagle, CagleCartoons.com to take a position on background checks and the availability of assault weapons. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is equally frustrated, saying, “Moments of silence aren’t substitute for the action needed on gun violence.”

Republicans have attempted to deflect, suggesting that the focus should be ISIS and terrorism, not gun violence. But the Newtown, Connecticut shooter was not a terrorist connected to ISIS. Indeed, troubled white men perpetrated many of our recent mass shootings with access to guns, not ISIS loyal terrorists. No matter.

Can’t Congress walk and chew gum at the same time? Can’t they focus both on ISIS and

on our out-of-control gun culture?

Nobody is talking about repealing the Second Amendment (though that might not be a bad idea). Still, the “right to bear arms” does not mean the unfettered right to bear all kinds of arms. Nobody needs an automatic weapon. And anyone deemed dangerous or mentally ill needs never be allowed a gun purchase.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is

an irresponsible organization that elevates the right for any random citizen to own and bear arms over the right of other citizens to survive.

Members of Congress need to cut the cord from that organization. Voters need to back them up.

One might think the Congressional sit-in has yielded few results. House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled the plug on CSPAN coverage and dismissed the sit-in as a “stunt.” Still, responding to the fact that 90 percent of us in the United States support background checks and restrictions on access to weapons, those who sat in showed enormous courage.

And, taking advantage of social media,

they broadcast their sit-in using Periscope, reminding Ryan that he might control CSPAN, but he doesn’t control all broadcast.

Ryan was insulting and condescending in calling the sit-in a “stunt,” and he reminded me of the many reasons I so admire Congressman Lewis. Was the Atlanta congressman’s skull fractured in a “stunt” in 1965 on Bloody Sunday, when his civil rights activity caused rabid whites to attack him?

Lewis pulled no stunt; he stood for what he believed in then. He is standing, firmly in his belief now, and using the time-honored tactic of protest to bring attention to the important cause of gun control.

Congressman Lewis and his colleagues were not successful in forcing votes on gun control. But they were successful in shutting the House down. Speaker Ryan was forced to adjourn Congress before he planned to, and Republicans sulked off like thieves in the night. Democrats held the floor hours after the Republicans scurried away, like hungry rats. No vote was forced, but a point was made.

Congress went back to work on July 5.

People should urge their representatives to take an appropriate vote to reduce access to guns, especially for those on a “no fly” list. People should also give Congressman John Lewis a “shout out” and appreciation for his leadership.

He has taken the tactics of the ‘60s and taken them into the 21st century. He has reminded us that “stunts” have their purpose.

His unassailable moral courage is admirable.

Thank you, Congressman Lewis, for your activism in the 1960s and now. You are much appreciated!

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12

DEFENDER | JULY 7 | 2016

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CDC awards Texas funds for Zika preparation The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded Texas $1.5 million as part of $25 million in funding to states, cities and territories to support efforts to protect Americans from Zika virus infection and associated adverse health outcomes, including microcephaly and the other serious birth defects.

"These CDC funds will enable states and territories to strengthen their Zika preparedness and response plans,” said Dr. Stephen C. Redd, director of CDC’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response.

“Although the continental United States has not yet seen local transmission of the Zika virus, mosquito season is here, and states must continue to work to prevent transmission and prepare for their first local case.”

The funding became effective July 1 and can be used through June 2017. Selection of funding recipients was based on the risk of local transmission as determined by the estimated range of the two mosquito species known to transmit Zika virus in the U.S., history of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and size of population.

In addition to the Zika-specific funding, Texas was also awarded $34 million in a cooperative agreement to improve and sustain emergency preparedness of state and local public health systems.

Zika virus spreads to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Zika infection can also be spread by men to their sex

The Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

partners. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika.

The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Zika infection in pregnant women is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects.

Zika also has been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome, an uncommon sickness of the nervous system.

Follow food safety advice Summertime is the perfect time for picnics, cookouts and other outdoor activities involving food. Warmer temperatures also help bacteria grow, so it’s important to practice food safety.

Here are tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

1. Wash hands, utensils, containers, and work surfaces before handling food to prevent harmful bacteria from spreading.

2. Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food.

Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve the food once it is cooked.

3. Cook food the same day as a picnic, not in advance, to give bacteria less time to grow. Cool food quickly by spreading it out in shallow containers and refrigerating.

4. Wash melons and tomatoes before cutting, in case bacteria are present on the rind or peel.

5. Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches;

summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut-up fruit and vegetables, and perishable dairy products.

6. Keep cold food in an insulated cooler with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs. Transport the cooler in the passenger area of your car, not in the hot trunk. At the picnic site, cover the cooler with a blanket and place it in the shade.

7. A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter.

8. Wrap hot dishes in towels or newspaper and place in boxes or sturdy paper bags. At the picnic site, keep hot food warm on the grill or eat within one hour.

9. Throw out leftovers that have been sitting out for more than one hour.

Store the rest in a cooler that still has ice. If all the ice has melted, throw away the food.

10. Bring a food thermometer to be sure grilled foods are cooked enough.

classified The Way Home

(Houston, Pasadena, Conroe, and Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties) Continuum of Care 2016, Application for New Housing Projects Pursuant to the FY2016 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Continuum of Care (CoC), the Coalition for the Homeless, acting as lead agency on behalf of The Way Home CoC is seeking a Request for Applications (RFA) for new permanent housing projects (either Rapid Re-housing [RRH] or Permanent Supportive Housing [PSH]).

The Way Home CoC encompasses the cities of Houston, Pasadena, and Conroe; and Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties. Funding for new permanent housing projects in the 2016 CoC competition is limited. All reallocated funds will be available for new permanent housing (RRH or PSH). New permanent housing projects must be dedicated to chronically homeless clients, follow a Housing First model, accept all admissions through the CoC’s Coordinated Access system, follow the CoC’s established priorities for admitting homeless individuals and families, and make maximum use of mainstream resources for supportive services. More information is available at: http://www.homelesshouston.org. Please contact Concetta Scerbo at cscerbo@homelesshouston.org for any questions or additional information. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5:00 pm, CDT, Monday, July 25, 2016.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT VEHICULAR WAYFINDING POWER The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the Vehicular Wayfinding Power project, located in Downtown Houston. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 by the Director of Planning & Design, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted.

Beginning 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 12, 2016, Bid Documents may be purchased for $50 per set from the Downtown District by cash; or by cashier's check, certified check, or money order (payable to the Houston Downtown Management District); or by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover). The cost for up to two sets will be refunded to Bidders who submit a valid bid for this Project and return bidding documents to the Downtown District. Addenda are free of charge and will be distributed by email to those who purchase Bid Documents and attend the Pre-bid Conference. Bid Documents may also be examined at plan rooms of the Minority Business Development Center (2302 Fannin Street, #165, Houston, TX 77002), Amtek Information and Plan Room (9000 Hempstead Suite 130, Houston, TX 77008) or viewed online at isqft.com.

A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in the Downtown District’s Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders (general contractors) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend the Pre-bid Conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the Pre-bid Conference.

Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No.1-2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WDBE participation goal of 20 percent.

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JULY 7 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | JULY 7 | 2016

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sports

Prairie View enters new era in athletics

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

Ashley Robinson

imes are changing on “the Hill” with Prairie View A&M University athletics. A brand spanking new athletic complex, featuring a badly needed facility for football, is scheduled to open this fall.

The Panthers host the Labor Day Classic on Sept. 4 against conference rival Texas Southern University and the plan is to play the game in the new stadium, which will have a seating capacity of 15,000 and amenities that include a covered concourse with concessions and merchandising space, A rendering shows the front of the PVAMU athletic complex. premium seating and luxury seats and a press level.

The athletic field house, immediately adjacent to the stadium, will house a strength and conditioning area, sports medicine suite, team meeting rooms, academic support space and locker rooms.

PVAMU Athletic Director Ashley Robinson is excited about the facility.

“I am pleased to announce that the entire athletic project is both on time and on budget,” Robinson said.

“We have actually already moved into our administrative area and our strength and conditioning area. In addition, our meeting rooms, multipurpose rooms, study hall area for our student athletes and locker rooms are all A new training room is included in the complex. completed and operable. third to make sure our students-athletes are trained “The status of the stadium is looking really good, properly.”

Robinson continued. “The visitor’s side is about 80 Robinson believes the completion of the new percent done. On the field, the turf is currently being athletic complex provides benefits that go beyond laid down as we speak. The home side is about 60 sports. percent done. We’re still working on the suites and the “It shows a commitment, not just to build the press box area. I anticipate the entire project should be athletic department, but to build the university,” complete by the end of July.” he said. “Our goal in the next 10 years is to have One area that Robinson feels exceptionally 20,000 students enrolled at this institution [there are elated over is the strength and wellness portion of the approximately 8,200 now]. complex.

“I feel students like to attend a school where “It’s extremely important that our student-athletes there is a winning culture in athletics and these maintain themselves physically,” he said. “We have new facilities will aid us favorably in recruiting. a fine staff of trainers and sports medicine personnel We already have a rich tradition when it comes to to make sure of that. We also have two strength and academics and this athletic complex is a commitment conditioning specialists and we’re looking to hire a to the university through athletics,” Robinson said.

“We’ve been showing the commitment by upgrading our athletic facilities across the board. Our baseball and track and field facilities have been upgraded. We have plans to upgrade our softball fields, our tennis courts, football practice fields and a new bowling alley.

We want to have the top athletic facilities of any FCS [Football Championship Subdivision] university in the country.”

Robinson acknowledged the contribution of students, alums and friends of the university who helped create the new athletic profile at PVAMU. “Our students showed a commitment to what we’ve done through student fees and I’d like to shout out to them. Not only on the athletic side, but academically as well with the new rec center and all the new academic buildings we’ve put in place. Also the support we’ve gotten from our alums and the foundation led by Rod Perry. They got out and led the way to show what PV was all about.”

Heading into his fourth year at the helm as athletic director, Robinson only sees good things on the horizon for PVAMU athletics.

“We’ve got high expectations for football this year,” he said. “We’re expecting big things from coach [Willie] Simmons and his staff. We’ve also got high expectations for all 18 sports this year. The pieces are in place across the board for us to excel.

“Three or four years ago folks were saying Prairie View was one of the best kept secrets around. That secret is definitely out of the bag now,” Robinson said.

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JULY 7 | 2016 | DEFENDER

15

sportsbriefs Rockets make deals With all the hoopla of NBA free agency, the Rockets didn’t want to be left out of the action. The team raided Southwest division rival New Orleans for two of their key players, power forward Ryan Anderson (6-feet-10, 240 pounds) and guard Eric Gordon (6-feet-four, 215 pounds). Anderson’s deal is four years, $80 million, while Gordon’s is four years, $53 million. Anderson averaged 17 ppg, playing in 66 games last season for the Pelicans. Gordon averaged 15 ppg. Both players are known for two things: three-point prowess and injuries. Anderson is a career 37.7 percent, three-point shooter, while Gordon has a 38.3 percent average. Both Anderson and Gordon have only had one season where they have played in more than 75 of the 82 regular season games. On a related note, former Rocket Dwight Howard signed a three-year, $70.5 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

PVAMU’s Green cited

Make sure children stay active this summer

W

Family Features

ith the school year complete, kids are excited to relax after a year of hard work, learning and extracurricular activities. However, this may lead to the temptation of sitting on the couch watching TV or playing on a computer or mobile device.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s Let’s Play initiative found that only 33 percent of children participate in daily active play, and for 30 minutes less than the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

It’s important for kids to get daily active play because it contributes to their physical, emotional and social development, and helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle.

To ensure kids get the active play they need this summer, try boosting their playtime with these tips:

1

Make play time family time. According to the Let’s Play survey, younger children’s active play time is more likely to be impacted by busy family schedules. To make sure your family is getting the physical activity needed, find windows within your busy schedule to fit in some play, even if it’s just a brief break. For example, rather than asking about your children’s days at the dinner table, take a predinner family walk to hear more while getting in some steps.

2

Create summer structure. Without structured school days, kids may get too comfortable sitting inside playing video games. An American Academy of Pediatrics study shows that rather than playing outside, kids are spending an average of seven hours per day on entertainment media and other electronic devices.

It’s important to let your children have downtime during the summer, but setting up weekly family playdates will give them something to look forward to while keeping them active. This could be a weekly family bike ride around the neighborhood, a game of catch or capture-the-flag.

3

Be creative. Summer means longer days, more hours of sunlight and more opportunities to be outside. Get creative when motivating your kids to be active. For example, take a daily activity like walking the dog and turn it into a scavenger hunt by drawing up a treasure map of things your children should find on their walk, such as a pine cone, flower, blue car and other items around the neighborhood.

4

Host backyard playdates. Playing is always more fun with friends. According to the Let’s Play study, longer stretches of active play are more likely to occur with friends or siblings. Round up kids from your neighborhood to get together for a different activity each week, such as an obstacle course or hide and seek. This allows your children to socialize and be active for an extended period of time.

5

Visit a playground. Going to the playground is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to develop social, creative and teamwork skills. There are other advantages as well. Playing outside and getting Vitamin D from the sun helps prevents bone problems, diabetes and even heart disease among children. Outdoor play is an amazing outlet for stress relief. Sometimes a change of scenery and a wide open space are just what we all need to clear our minds.

For more information about ways to keep kids active and playing this summer, check out LetsPlay.com.

Prairie View A&M University senior QB Trey Green was recently acknowledged by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine as one of the top 50 players in Texas college football.

Green was rated No. 13. Panther second-year head coach Willie Simmons describes Green as a student of the game and a natural leader. A native of Beaumont, Green survived multiple injury setbacks earlier in his career before his first year as a starter last season. He was the triggerman to an explosive Panther offense that scored at least 24 points in every contest and went for over 40 points seven times. He completed nearly 60 percent of his 308 passing attempts, throwing only three interceptions in that span.

Expect Green and the Panthers to be one of the SWAC’s top teams this season.

Swoopes out at Loyola Former Houston Comets superstar Sheryl Swoopes was fired as head coach of the Loyola University women’s basketball team. Swoopes held the position for three years and compiled a record of 31-62. The coach had been under investigation by the university amid allegations that players were verbally and emotionally abused. Those concerns caused a mass exodus of players from the program. Swoopes was hired

by Loyola based more on her resume – four-time WNBA champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist – rather than previous coaching experience, which was non-existent.

Altuve Player of Month Major League Baseball announced that Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has been named the American League Player of the Month for June. This marks Altuve’s first career Player of the Month award. During the month, Altuve hit .420 (42x100) with six doubles, four homers, 15 RBI, six steals and a 1.112 OPS in 26 games. Altuve led all American League players in batting average, hits and on-base percentage during the month, establishing a franchise record for batting average in a single June. Altuve, a three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, 2015 Gold Glover and 2014 AL Batting Champion is in the midst of the best season of his career. He currently leads the majors in batting average (.352) and the AL in hits (111).

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JULY 7 | 2016 DEFENDER

Happening in Houston

For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com

topevents

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UH/NAPW POWER NETWORKING……..The University of Houston Cisneros, Spencer Tillman, Bill Gross, Paula Sutton, Bonar and Tamera Luzey, Law Center hosted a Power Networking Event in partnership with the National Madeline and Darryl Montgomery, Marla Davis, Jada Davis, James Davis, Karen Association of Professional Women (NAPW) at the UH Alumni Center. The event Jenkins, Karen Jackson, Carey Yates, Shawntell McWilliam and many more…….. provided opportunities to meet professional women in a variety of fields and discuss KIDS’ UNIVERSITY GRADUATION CEREMONY……..Change Happens! career strategies. UH alumna and president of the Professional Diversity Network recently held its Kids’ University Graduation Ceremony at the UH Alumni Center.

Star Jones conducted one-on-one interviews with Sondra Tennessee, UHLC Kids’ University is a week-long program where at-risk youth are exposed to higher associate dean for student affairs, and Victoria Ai Linh education in partnership with the Office of Community Relations Bryant, founder and president of Ambassadors Caregivers. & Institutional Access at UH. Activities included a welcome pep Defender TOP EVENTS rally, a UH student-led panel discussion titled “Why is College In attendance were Ayana Browne, Asia Mauney, More photos on defendernetwork.com Stephanie Jones, Corrinne Cassel, Denise Baynes-Cassel, Important?,” campus, stadium, and housing tours, a Success Lecture Victoria Lopez, Kim Baynes and a host of others……..

Series featuring corporate sponsors as well as local entrepreneurs, BARRIER BREAKER AWARDS LUNCHEON……..Career and Recovery observing college classes, an overnight dorm stay and access to recreational facilities.

Resources (a United Way agency) held its annual Barrier Breaker Awards Luncheon Guests were treated to a dance presentation by youth participants Katilyn and Katsidy McElroy. The keynote speaker was president of the Houston Astros Reid Ryan. In at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston. Proceeds supported the organization’s mission of helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. The event raised attendance were Dr. Elwyn C. Lee, Rev. Leslie Smith II, Stephen Smith, Keyonna over $207,000 for Career and Recovery Resources. Attendees included CEO Vern Morris, Aundre Ambree, Vanessa Reed, Jaenayla Williams, Derek Dow, Cynthia Ferrell, Helen Stagg and a host of others.

Swisher, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Cynthia

Sondra Tennessee, Victoria Bryant

Star Jones

Marla Davis, Jada Davis and James Davis

Karen Jenkins, Karen Jackson, Carey Yates and Shawntell McWilliam

Dr. Elwyn Lee, Alexia Charman, Cynthia Ferrell, Rev. Leslie Smith II

Rev. Leslie Smith II, Jonyha Brown, Helen Stagg

Victoria Lopez, Kim Baynes

Madeline Montgomery, Darryl Montgomery

Clayton Cook, Dr. Elwyn Lee

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