Houston Defender: July 14, 2016

NATIONAL

PRESIDENT OBAMA CALLS FOR UNITY DURING DALLAS SPEECH P3

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Volume 85 | Number 37 JULY 14, 2016 | FREE

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Mayor seeks Justice Dept. investigation Defender News Services Mayor Sylvester Turner said he will ask the Department of Justice to review the police killing of Alva Braziel because “tensions are running high.”

Braziel, a 38-year-old Black man, died on July 9.

According to police, he was shot after refusing commands to drop the handgun he was carrying.

“While I desire and will require a full investigation, I am confident that once complete, the public will conclude

we have been transparent," Turner said.

Police said Braziel was walking in the street near Cullen Blvd. and Idaho St. with a gun in hand. “[Braziel] deliberately and slowly lowers his arm and allows [the gun] to come to a stop at his waist," said police spokeswoman Jodi Silva, reiterating the officers’ claim that Braziel pointed the gun directly at them.

Braziel was shot dead seconds later, leaving questions about the equity of Texas’ open carry law.

Moreover, Houstonians already on edge after the police

Black gun owners decry racial bias

By KHORRI ATKINSON Texas Tribune

Mark Hughes, wearing a camouflage shirt and legally, openly carrying an AR-15 rifle, was among dozens of Black people in downtown Dallas who were peacefully protesting against the recent back-to-back officer-involved killings of two Black men.

But in the hours between when Micah Xavier Johnson opened fire on Dallas police officers and his death, Hughes found himself at the center of controversy when the Dallas Police Department circulated a photo of him on social media and referred to him as a "suspect" in the attack.

Police later retracted their initial assertions and deleted the photo after determining that Hughes had nothing to do with the attack, but their methods have sparked controversy among Black gun owners who say they're discriminated against for exercising their constitutional right to bear arms.

“This is how they treat Black men with guns,” said Babu Omowale, cofounder of the Dallas-based Huey P. Newton Gun Club, of the hunt for Hughes. “I was actually at the protest. I saw the brother with his gun, and it

didn’t alarm me in any type of way because to me, he’s another brother expressing his Second Amendment right.

“But the police automatically view him as a suspect. But that’s how they view us — as suspects. They view us as possible criminals when we’re only applying our given rights as gun owners."

Black gun owners said cases such as Hughes', as well as that of Philando Castile, a Black Minnesota man who was killed by a police officer during a traffic stop after the officer thought he was reaching for his gun, highlight a longstanding disparity in how police treat Black gun owners versus their white counterparts.

There is no data about whether officers target minority gun owners at higher rates than white Americans, but Kevin Buckler, a professor of criminal justice at the University of HoustonDowntown, said statistics showing racial disparities in police stops suggest that Black gun owners are at a greater risk.

“Transparency about the presence of the gun during the interaction is needed from the citizen, [and] officers need to ensure that they give clear instruction to the citizen on movements and behavior expectations,” Buckler said.

killings in Baton Rouge and Minnesota, contend the surveillance video of the incident from a nearby gas station refutes HPD’s version of events and never shows Braziel’s hands coming down or pointing his weapon at officers. “”I watched the video at least 50 times, and have yet to see [Braziel] point his weapon at officers,” said local activist Nandi Jones. “What stands out to me is how quickly they shot and killed him. It was like seconds after they rolled up; like their minds were already made up.”

Black Power forum marks 50th anniversary

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

The historic declaration of Black Power, when Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) members Stokely Carmichael and Willie Ricks first raised the cry for “Black Power” in June 1966, turns 50 this year.

In celebration of that pivotal event, SHAPE Community Center, 3903 Almeda, will host a forum titled “Black Power & Beyond” on Saturday, July 16, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss issues vital to the community.

“It’s important that we learn about our history of struggle, and what got us here; it wasn’t by osmosis,” said SHAPE director Deloyd Parker.

“Learning about that era of struggle will help us today to sustain and move forward.”

Forum organizer Cleveland Gite shared similar thoughts.

“Originating from SNCC, [Black Power] symbolized the meaning of both lessons learned and future aims that would be pursued by the young radical student group,” Gite said.

“Not satisfied with the traditional Civil Rights Movement, SNCC’s call for Black Power signaled a turn to a more independent and radical approach to achieving victories in the Black freedom Deloyd Parker struggle.”

The forum is part of a nationwide commemoration that includes 15 other sites, and is presented under the banner the Black Power Chronicles of Houston which is part of the SNCC Legacy Project.

“With all that’s going on, we’re in trouble and must learn our history,” Parker said. “But we can’t get stuck there. We must then organize to move our people to another level.”

The forum will feature moderator Jew Don Boney, and panelists including Gite, Michelle Barnes, Obidike Kamau and Omowale Luthuli-Allen.

Visit www.sncclegacyproject.org for more information.

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JULY 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Obama addresses unity in Dallas Defender News Services

With a rallying cry of “This is the America I know,” President Obama addressed a grieving city and nation from Dallas with words and examples of encouragement and unity even as many across the country have taken sides over the polarizing and deadly tragedies in Baton Rouge, Minneapolis and Dallas.

“I see people who mourn for the five officers we lost, but also weep for the families of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile,” Obama said. “In this audience I see what's possible. I see what's possible when we recognize

Black Caucus claims ‘State of emergency’ TriceEdneyWire.com

that we are one American family. All deserving of equal treatment. All deserving equal respect. All children of God. That's the America I know.”

Obama’s remarks came at a memorial for the five Dallas police officers slain last week, reportedly by Micah Johnson, an Army Reserve veteran who served in Afghanistan.

Obama acknowledged and named the slain officers, Michael Smith, 55, Patrick Zamarripa, 32, Lorne Ahrens, 48, Michael Krol, 40, and Brent Thompson, 43. He also confronted the deaths of Sterling and Castile whose deaths at the hands of police spurred national protests.

The president lauded the commitment of police while challenging those who describe all cops as bad. Obama also said that bias is real and leads to unequal treatment for Blacks.

Still, he called for unity.

“Only by working together can we preserve those institutions of family and community, rights and responsibilities, law and self-government that is the hallmark of this nation,” he said.

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is concerned about the “state of emergency” in America in light of recent police killings and the deaths of officers.

“America is weeping,” said CBC Chairman G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) “They are angry. They are frustrated. And Congress – and when I say Congress, I mean the Republicans in Congress – are refusing to address gun violence in America.”

During a press conference, the CBC pushed for action to repair community trust, increased law enforcement training and implementation of true community policing.

In Congress, Democrats are calling for measures that would prohibit criminals and suspected terrorists on no-fly lists from purchasing firearms, ban the sale of military assault-style weapons, and expand mandatory background checks.

GOP lawmakers have balked at their proposals.

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entertainment

Mark Obama Ndesandjo

writes about family, famous brother

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

orn in Kenya in 1965 to Ruth Baker and Barack Obama Sr., Mark Obama Ndesandjo is the half-brother of President Obama.

He is an accomplished musician, author, artist and businessman. Prior to settling in Shenzhen, China, he earned a B.S. in Physics from Brown University, an M.S. in Physics from Stanford, and an MBA from Emory.

He consults worldwide, employing his considerable Mark Obama Ndesandjo telecommunications, international marketing and Luo tribe, wanted to give me a Luo name. He branding experience. He is also fluent in Mandarin. called me Okoth. But my mother, from the As an author, he has published the novel, "Nairobi outset, wanted to give me a Western name, to Shenzhen," as well as an intriguing autobiography, too. She took Mark from the Bible.

"An Obama’s Journey." Here, he talks about the book, KW: Were you raised by your mother to among other things. appreciate your Jewish heritage?

KW: I found "An Obama’s Journey" fascinating.

MON: Yes, I was always very proud MON: Thank you. It was a very difficult book to President Obama was joined by his half-brother and other guests at the White House. of being Jewish.

She and my maternal write. grandmother, who emigrated to America from from, with a lineage traced back to the 17th century.

KW: It's so revealing emotionally. Plus, you had to Lithuania, were the ones who helped me with that by exposing The other thing I wanted to talk about is the experience deal with the burden of your brother's being in the public eye. me to music and intellectuals I really admired like Einstein. My of being mixed-race.

Many Americans, and more and more MON: Writing a book, you have to reach very deep inside grandmother would come to Kenya to visit us.

I remember sitting people around the world, are going through this globalization of of yourself to share a message that will touch the readers. on the bed with her, leafing through the Torah, even though I race, culture and religion.

And we're discovering that we don't Otherwise, people will know, and it won't connect. didn't understand the characters. represent just one culture, but two or three.

Growing up as a KW: What did you hope to achieve by publishing the KW: How would you describe your relationship with mixed-race kid was a very bumpy road, and I wanted to share book?

President Obama? how that experience helped form my identity, hoping that it MON: There were a few reasons why I wrote the book.

MON: I've been pretty open and candid in the book about might serve as a lesson for the kids of the world who are closer One was that I wanted to tell my story myself, and not have my past experiences with my brother. But out of respect for his and closer physically as well as intellectually. others tell it for me. Another was that I felt my family is nebulous feelings and privacy, I've decided not to comment any further KW: How did you get a name like Mark when your in many ways. A lot of people don't understand it. It represents about our relationship.

All I can says is, how could anybody take brother is named Barack? change which can be frightening to many people. I wanted a job that gives you so many white hairs?

MON: When I was born, my father, being a member of the people to know about the Obama family and where we come

what’sup Singer CHAKA KHAN says she’s checked into rehab for addiction to prescription pain medication, citing PRINCE’S death as a strong influence for her getting help. Khan, 63, revealed her long-running addiction to the painkiller fentanyl, the same drug that medical officials say was the cause of Prince’s death, via accidental overdose. Both Khan and her sister Yvonne Stevens (aka Taka Boom) are seeking rehab to fight the addiction.

“The tragic death of Prince has had us both rethinking and reevaluating our lives and priorities,” Khan said in the statement. “We knew it was time to take action to save our

lives. My sister and I would like to thank everyone for their support, love and prayers.”

Several of Khan’s summer concert dates will be cancelled or postponed as a result…….

MELISSA HARRIS-PERRY, the former MSNBC host, has signed on to BET News as a special correspondent, according to Deadline. com. Under the deal, she will host and contribute to various BET News programs and develop longform news specials for the network. Her first assignment will be to co-anchor election coverage for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions along with BET news correspondent MARC LAMONT HILL…….

VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 37 JULY 14, 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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JULY 14 | 2016 | DEFENDER

MINNESOTA

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DALLAS

A WEEK OF TRAGEDY SPECIAL REPORTS

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Defender News Services

ecent events have gripped the nation, from the police killings of two Black men to nationwide protests to the shocking murder of five police officers. Here is a summary:

Tuesday, July 5

Video captured two white officers in Baton Rouge, La. engaging in an altercation with Alton Sterling, a 37-yearold Black man selling music CDs outside of a convenience store. Sterling was wrestled to the ground. One officer was heard yelling, “He’s got a gun!” An officer drew his weapon and pointed it down at Sterling’s chest. Sterling died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Wednesday, July 6

Baton Rouge residents protested Sterling’s death as the fatal encounter gained national attention and circulated on social media. In addition, the Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into the killing.

That same day, 32-year-old Black public school employee Philando Castile was shot and killed by police in suburban Minnesota after being pulled over for a busted tail

light. Castile’s girlfriend documented the shooting in a live stream on Facebook.

Thursday, July 7

Castile’s death sparked protests during the early morning hours in front of the Minnesota governor’s mansion in St. Paul. Gov. Mark Dayton said he believed that if Castile had been white, he would still be alive.

Castile’s mother later said Blacks were being “hunted.”

The shootings of Sterling and Castile continued to spur nationwide protests and debate over police brutality.

President Obama said all Americans should be “deeply troubled” by the shootings, and called them “symptomatic of the broader challenges within our criminal justice system.”

As protesters marched peacefully in downtown Dallas on late Thursday, five police officers were killed in an ambush. Seven other officers and two civilians were wounded. The Black sniper, who was killed by a bomb detonated by police, was identified as 25-year-old Micah Johnson of Mesquite, Texas, a veteran who served in Afghanistan.

The slain officers were identified as Lorne Ahrens,

Michael Smith, Michael Krol, Patrick Zamarripa and Brent Thompson.

Friday, July 8

Speaking from Warsaw, President Obama called the deaths of the Dallas officers a “vicious, calculated and despicable attack” and a “wrenching reminder” of the sacrifices of law enforcement.

Also on Friday, police searched the home of Micah Johnson and found bomb-making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition and a personal journal of combat tactics.

Investigators determined Johnson was "the lone shooter.”

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Black Lives Matter protesters were responsible for the tragedy in Dallas. "I do blame people on social media with their hatred towards police," Patrick said.

Saturday, July 9

In Houston, Alva Braziel, a Black man, was killed by police. HPD said Braziel was carrying a gun and refused to comply when officers told him to put down his weapon.

Houston was also the site of a protest where tension emerged between demonstrators.

11 myths about Black Lives Matter Defender News Services

Here are common misconceptions from the Black Lives Matter website explaining what the movement is, and is not.

1. The movement doesn’t care about Black-on-Black crime. This assertion is patently false. The continued focus on Black-on-Black crime is a diversionary tactic, whose goal is to suggest that Black people don’t have the right to be outraged about police violence because they have a crime problem.

2. It’s a leaderless movement. The BLM movement is comprised of many local leaders and many local organizations.

3. The movement has no agenda. BLM has always made public its demands, including swift and transparent legal investigation of all police shootings of Black people, the demilitarization of local police forces, and more.

4. It’s a one-issue movement. Although most current protesting focuses on police brutality, there is a range of issues that BLM will likely push in years to come; i.e. dismantling of the prison industrial complex.

5. The movement has no respect for elders. The BLM movement is an intergenerational movement containing participants of all ages.

6. The Black church has no role to play. Black churches and preachers have been on the ground helping since the early days after Michael Brown’s death. But BLM protesters patently reject any conservative, pray-only, passive theology.

7. The movement does not care about queer or trans lives. Women, queer, and trans individuals are front and center in BLM leadership and throughout.

8. The movement hates white people. The statement

“Black lives matter” is not anti-white. It contains an unspoken but implied “too,” as in “Black lives matter, too,” suggesting inclusion not exclusion.

9. The movement hates police officers. The movement is neither anti-people [nor] anti-police (police officers are both). The BLM movement is not trying to make the world more unsafe for police officers; it hopes to make police officers less of a threat to communities of color.

10. The movement’s primary goal should be the vote. While voting matters, the goal is freedom and safety for all Black lives – a goal much bigger than one election.

11. There’s not actually a movement at all. Since August 2014, more than 1,030 BLM protests have been held, and participants show no signs of slowing down.

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Activists offer answers to violence, injustice

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

With recent national events that challenge the declaration that Black Lives Matter, the Defender asked six local activists of different generations one question: In light of the tragedies in Baton Rouge (Alton Sterling), Minnesota (Philando Castile) and Dallas (five police officers), how can we stop the killing? Here are their responses: w Shekira Dennis, Houston Justice Coalition

“The complicated and perilous state of police and community relations as it pertains to Black lives specifically didn't happen overnight, and it's safe to say that the solution won't be hatched overnight. There isn't one specific answer to alleviate systemic racism. African-Americans across this nation have legitimate concerns surrounding police brutality that have led to unnecessary loss of life. Until grassroots groups, civic leaders, clergy and policy architects develop a comprehensive strategy to properly address and combat this lethal pattern of injustice I fear we may never have the closure and solutions that our nation is desperately in search of during these trying times.”

w James Douglas, NAACP Houston

“We’ve become a nation of the wild, wild west, where the best way to resolve conflict is with a weapon. We’ve got to change that mindset. On the law enforcement side, we have to get law officials to understand that Black Lives Matter. Law enforcement has made us out to be animals; strong individuals that cannot be controlled without the force of weaponry. They are afraid, and I think that as a race of people, we kind of helped create that when we allowed them to turn us against ourselves with the War on Drugs.”

w Omowale Luthuli-Allen, My Brother's Keeper

“Violence such as Dallas doesn’t result from deranged minds like [sniper] Micah Johnson, but from a lack of effective punishment for police wrong-doers; scapegoat all you want. We must seriously rethink how policing fits into the over-criminalization and over-incarceration of our people; the bond system that criminalizes thousands simply because they lack bond money; the way we elect judges in Texas, as most local judges come from West Houston with a lock ’em up mentality; the standards used for the implementation of deadly force; and current incarceration policies. It’s been found that 30 percent of all poverty could be reduced with changed incarceration policies. And there must be uniform reporting of all deadly shootings.”

w A.J. McQueen, Writer's Block

“What we’re fighting is institutional racism. We need immediate reform of police policies. Or, unfortunately, we’ll see more situations like Dallas, where people take things into their own hands. That’s not what I want to see. But that’s the reality.

And education plays a big part. There’s a lot of ignorance going on. I spoke to two congregations in the Woodlands, teaching all-white congregations about Black Lives Matter. We have to also educate ourselves so we can be safe out here, and make it back home.”

BLACK

STILL M w Minister Robert Muhammad, Nation of Islam

"We have it within our power to stop the killing. The question is will we unite, organize, and pool our considerable talents, skills and resources to do so?

Ultimately, it boils down to whether Allah (God) intends for the two people, Black and white, to live together. As long as we live with them, we will live under them. Given their 400-year record of mistreatment, is that what we desire for our children and grandchildren?

We must never take reparations, separation, and repatriation off the table. We need some of this earth to call our own. Immediately, we’re going to have to get white policemen out of our community. Statistics show that when law enforcement reflects the community it patrols, killings are lessened."

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Solutions to de t e r police killings

In an effort to be proactive, the D efender compile been recommen d the following so ded in recent med lutions that have ia interviews.

• Comply with po lice instructions and keep hands • Independently visible at all tim investigate and pr es. osecute police m • Make standard isconduct. s for reporting po lic e use of deadly fo • Federal fundin rce. g of mandatory bo dy cameras for al • Replace all whi l U.S. police depa te officers in Bla rtments. ck neighborhood • Mental aptitud s with Black offic e tests should be er s. ad ministered on a part of performan set schedule for ce evaluations. al l police officers as • Police officers charged with a cr im e receive the sam • All fees associat e treatment as th ed with lawsuits e average citizen against the polic and not taxpayer . e should be char s. ged to police un ions

K LIVES

MATTER w Kaleb Taylor, Collegiate 100

“The powers that be must make police misconduct a priority. After Dallas, it is evident that communities across the nation are reaching their breaking point. We need policymakers who will use their political capital to bring about impactful policy changes that will protect Black lives. I believe some practices that will bring progress are: automatic special prosecutors in alleged cases of police brutality, mandates for police officers to live in the communities they patrol, and placing a higher emphasis on deescalation training for police. Our overall goal is for the scales of justice to be balanced. We need police officers to face the same justice that a citizen would face if he or she were to commit murder.”

he Houston area for over 85 years

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civil rights updated tactics

actions have resulted funerals and more, these showing solidarity. in raising awareness and use of collective

Economic investment: the of e som n the lf rupt private activities.

If history repeats itse ent non-violent action to dis vem Mo hts Rig il Civ c energy and tactics used during the By focusing our economi d and used today. pte ada ly ing and buying ive eat ect , eff ing be pp can resources on sho late the by d ble em ass s gie ine in the Black Here are seven strate Black, the economic eng lliard Hi a As sor fes Pro y log results in more educational psycho community is fueled and Civil the of s ces suc the in e financial return on our that were decisiv Black employment and . ent Rights Movem investments. strategic use : strategies to Moral persuasion: the Grassroots organizing erate moral gen to y nit movement ma ss hu Ma for . t of respec build mass movement s that “All Lives fes pro through ple peo zed ani As org or. behavi during the '60s was es are not in liv all t massive tha ere lity wh rea s tie the rsi r,” Matte rches and unive chu be st mu e lic po by embled. Today, these jeopardy of being killed -police numbers of Blacks ass pro and r tte Ma es Liv can play a strategic pointed out. Black same institutions exist and st. exi coof any tactics to beliefs can and do role in implementation ed ect dir the n: tio isla leg & hand.

Litigation confront the problem at killings of e lic po e ng lle use of Black cha to ts use of lawsui Solicitation of sponsors: Civil Rights the g rin Du n. ions to fund me zat wo ani org and e Black men e, social or servic n vat pri itio add In . ow Cr s Jim ne if the NAACP, Movement the issue wa vement activities. Imagi mo e tiv isla leg for d n, Black Greek to litigation, there is a nee , Urban League, 100 Black Me nty cou al, loc the on y many others initiatives to change polic anizations, churches and org In . ent nm ver go of movement to stop state and federal levels donated funds toward the of s om rtro cou the e, order to affect chang the killings. ated with cases forcing ting and America must be inund Use of media: dissemina m. ble pro the nt fro con to rin tem . Du g the '60s the our judicial sys exchanging information e laws that rsu pu ely siv res agg st n. Today, the use of Legislators mu new media was televisio s. ice ust a crowd and the use inj confront the social media to assemble collective of use ce: ien ed one and Facebook ob ph dis art Civil tures like the sm fea of ty. ivi act te sta t rup on and humaness non-violent action to dis e have captured the emoti Liv , ing by lob up gro From speeches to articles, of the issue. marches, mock symbols, mass petitions, ces Defender News Servi

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DEFENDER | JULY 14 | 2016

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opinion

Understand why

our lives matter

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By LAGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender

t has been a trying week for the country as we looked down the barrel and into the eyes of senseless tragedy on both ends of the spectrum.

On July 5, Alton Sterling was shot and killed by two white Baton Rouge police officers after initially responding to a call about an armed man.

The following day, on July 6, a Facebook Live video went viral, capturing the death of another Black man, Philando Castile. He was killed by a suburban Minnesota police officer during a broken taillight stop. His girlfriend and her 4-year old daughter were in the car.

On July 7, an African-American sniper shot and killed five Dallas police officers during a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas, after an alleged antiwhite cop revenge ambush.

As I scrolled down my social media timeline, I saw a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, disbelief, confusion and silence. The silence was extremely disappointing and a constant reminder of how I am indirectly viewed, regardless of what I do or have achieved.

I wasn’t looking for acceptance or allies; I wanted to see compassion. I wanted to know that after two young Black men were killed and their deaths went viral, that you actually felt something; that it actually affected your day as it does me, everyday.

There wasn’t a shift until the Dallas police officers were killed. There was a rise in posts, media coverage and experts proclaiming their sorrow and the need for “change.” Why is that? Are the lives of Sterling and Castile of less value? Does the hero police narrative appeal more to the masses? Is this a reflection of the “disconnect” that we continue to sweep under the rug?

The elephant in the room is addressing the root of such disconnect. Yes, we hear about solutions regarding education, policy reform and holding the

Patrick Chappatte, The International New York Times

citizens as well as law enforcement accountable, but what does that actually look like?

When the Black Lives Matter activists yell that “they” matter, it’s not exclusionary. This does not mean that Anglo, Hispanic, Asian and/or any other demographic does not matter. It is a call to action to address what’s in our face and that is the disproportionate police killings of Black Americans as opposed to others.

The understanding of this notion, combined with a greater understanding of a marginalized group of people and their everyday experiences, coupled with a historic distrust has perpetuated this

overarching fear across the board.

Let’s start by no longer making dismissive excuses and attempt to understand each other’s fears. We can agree that all cops are not bad. In contrast, we can also agree that not all Black people are criminals, and that Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and many more did not have to die.

Let’s stop re-shifting the narrative on Blacks versus law enforcement but acknowledge the fear and change the psyche of society, so that the next time we hear Black Lives Matter, the operative word doesn’t move you more than the act of injustice.

Blacks deserve respect, police deserve respect Respect is earned and actions speak louder than words. Today we are at a breaking point as we come face to face with our fears on both sides. Both Blacks and the police are confronted with the fear of danger or death. This overriding fear causes a knee-jerk reaction that results in Blacks resisting arrest or police

being quick to pull the trigger.

It’s wrong to judge a group of people based on the actions of one or a handful of individuals. We see some police officers killing African-Americans and we see some African-Americans killing police, yet this is only a small number when you consider

the whole.

The reality is we have to respect each other as human beings, acknowledging our fears yet containing them. This comes through education and an understanding of self and each other.

Blacks deserve respect and police deserve respect.

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RALLY CALLS FOR HEALING, END TO VIOLENCE

A gathering to unanimously call for LOVE to replace hate, FORGIVENESS to replace vindictiveness and for JUSTICE to replace all forms of injustice was the basis for a rally held in downtown Houston. It was held in response to tragic events in Baton Rouge, Minnesota and Dallas. The rally was conceived by Community of Faith Bishop James Dixon II along with other faith leaders, elected officials, law enforcement and community leaders. “We are building greater trust and displaying greater resolve to be one city that is safe for all,� organizers said.

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sports

Rockets prepare players at NBA Summer League

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Assistant coach Roy Rogers

By MAX EDISON Defender

he NBA draft has come and gone and the Rockets are preparing for the next level of offseason preparation, the Las Vegas Summer League.

Rookies, undrafted free agents, second-year players and a handful of veterans who played sparingly last season will participate in the two-week series of games. With a new head coach in Mike D’Antoni and a new system to learn, players will get an early chance to show the new regime that they can be a valuable asset to the team.

Rockets assistant coach Roy Rogers will have the task of overseeing the Rockets summer squad and discussed what the staff will look for in Las Vegas.

“First of all we’re looking for guys who want to play the right way,” Rogers explained. “Obviously there’s going to be a premium on both our offense and defense. Offensively, we want guys who are going to be unselfish, move the ball from side to side and take good shots; guys who are willing to pass up a good shot to get a Gary Payton II great shot.

Undrafted free agent rookie point guard Gary Payton II “Defensively, we’re looking for guys who are active, who can (Oregon State) is heading to Vegas intent on showing the team get after the ball and that he has the game to play in the NBA. who can get out on the The son of an NBA Hall of Famer, the perimeter,” Rogers said. defendernetwork.com younger Payton knows what he needs “We need our bigs to Queen Serena Williams reigns to do. at Wimbledon be able to switch out “It’s a great opportunity for me,” on smalls, just because Payton said. “I have to do what coach of the way the game says, facilitate, push the ball, be aggressive and hit open shots…It’s is being played now. We also need our bigs exciting to be here.” to be able to guard the pick and roll and get Preparing to begin his third year in the NBA, swingman back and protect the paint. We’re looking K.J. McDaniels hopes to use the Las Vegas Summer League to for guys who can cover ground and give improve his game and make a positive impression on the new multiple efforts.” coaching staff.

For second-year small forward “I’m working on trying to be a better individual Sam Dekker the Summer League defender, putting more pressure on the ball,” play will be crucial. The McDaniels said. “Being able to play and guard Rockets’ first-round draft multiple positions is what I’m trying to show.” pick in 2015 (18th overall) Rogers defined what success for the was hampered by Rockets will look like at the conclusion of injuries the majority the Las Vegas games. of his rookie season “First of all I want to go out and rarely available for to Vegas with a healthy team and action. Dekker, a 6-foot-9 return with a healthy team,” marksman in college, Rogers said. “Injuries are discussed his goal for the first thing you’d like to Las Vegas. prevent. I want to take a “I want to show my complete team out there that plays as package of what I have to offer,” a team on both ends of the Dekker said. “Rockets fans have been court. [If they] play as hard waiting, I’ve been waiting, the organization has as they can for as long as they been waiting to see what I can do. It’s kind of been can then the rest will control itself.” a mystery. I’m ready to show I can play and impact the game in many ways. I’m really looking forward to K.J. McDaniels getting out to Vegas…doing my thing.”

Sam Dekker

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

topevents

CAMP MIKE T……..Miami Dolphins’ Safety Michael Thomas and Apex table etiquette, the importance of first impressions, and how to appropriately Academy hosted the second annual mini football camp at W.W. Thorne deal with law enforcement. Guest speakers at the event were Tod A. Smith, Stadium. The two-day camp was organized to help student athletes gain Marcel Cooks and Quinon Brooker. Also in attendance were Jeff Cains, exposure to the college admissions process, SAT prep, personal development Dave Grady, Lester Harvey, Tommy Harvey, William Hobdy, Hiawatha workshops, professional panel and fundamental football development. The Johnson Jr, Desanie Waller, Crystal Owens, Paul Dotson and a host of Apex Academy teaches under-resourced student athletes how to leverage the others……..PROJECT FORWARD DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT…….. characteristics acquired in football and apply them to their Project Forward recently hosted its annual ‘A Day of life. Over 50 young boys came out to participate in the for Black Fathers’ at MacGregor Park.

Defender TOP EVENTS Encouragement camp. Coaches at the camp were Ray Anthony Long, The event was organized to unite the community and erase More photos on defendernetwork.com Reginald Durden, Eric King, Mike Thomas, Patricio the stigma against Black fathers. The park event included Razo, Karre’ Wallace, Patrick James, Christen everything from an inflated bounce house to father-son Finister, Travis Key, Nathan Kiel, Kevin Freeman, Malcolm Waters, Ray basketball games for entertainment. Fathers also got the chance to sign up Piquion, Fortland Washington, Kaleb Thornhill and John Masters…….. for Project Forward, whose initiative is to further empower the community BLAZERS AND BOWTIES CONFERENCE……..Willie Williams recently and inspire Black owned business. Attendees included Deric Muhammad, hosted the Blazers and Bowties Young Men’s Empowerment Conference at Anthony Valary, Kenisha Graves, Ty Ross, Brian Seigler, Braelon Seigler, South Union Missionary Baptist Church. The event was organized to empower Adlonia Rashadman, Rashaad Rahman, Anthony Boyd, Cl’Che’, Larry Wiley, Chris Boone, Chris Boone Jr. and many more. young boys in spite of recent events. Participants learned about manners and

Two boys at camp

Michael Thomas

Tod A. Smith, Willie Williams, Marcel Cooks, Quinon Brooker

Tommy Harvey, Conner Davis, Alek Howard

Anthony Boyd, Anthony Boyd Jr, Ishmael Boyd, Kaheb Boyd, Kade Boyd

Anthony Valary, Deric Muhammad

Coaches and kids

Paul Dotson, Lamar Jackson

Brian Seigler, Braelon Seigler

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