Houston Defender: July 26, 2012

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Volume 81 | Number 39 WEEK OF JULY 26, 2012 | FREE

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA calls violence ‘senseless’

Olympic

P4 WHAT’S UP OPINION

Athletes to Watch

IDRIS ELBA nominated for Emmy

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P5 FEATURE

SAVE GAS with smart driving

Johnson vs. Lee

in July 31 runoff Erica Lee

Democratic candidates Erica Lee and Jarvis Johnson are vying for a seat on the Harris County Department of Education board. Learn why the trustee position is important to the Black community. Read their assessments of their qualifications.

Find out what their priorities would be if elected.

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Jarvis Johnson

Mario Van Peebles

appears with son Actor and director Mario Van Peebles followed in the footsteps of his father Melvin Van Peebles.

Now Mario’s son Mandela has an interest in one aspect of the family business. See what father and son are up to. Hear how they were inspired by a party. Find out about the other Hollywood kids involved.

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Career and family

Book TALK Many students have the false impression that all slaves were submissive, timid, illiterate, severely oppressed and dirt poor. In Slaves with Swag, author Daryl T. Himmon provides a riveting read which endeavors to fill in some of the blanks in Black history. At www.defendernetwork.com.

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WEEK OF July 26 | 2012 | DEFENDER

newstalk July 31 runoff Lee vs. Johnson in county board race

T

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

he runoff for the Texas primary is Tuesday, July 31, and two Houstonians – Jarvis Johnson and Erica Lee – hope to be the Democratic candidate for the Harris County Department of Education board Position 6, Precinct 1.

The winner would face another African American, Republican candidate Juluette Bartlett-Pack, in November.

The county’s education department provides resources to school districts and the general public Jarvis Johnson Erica Lee throughout the county and beyond. Services are In a Q&A with the Defender, the two candidates wide-ranging and include adult education, afterdiscuss the education board position, their qualificaschool programs, alternative certification, purchasing tions and priorities if elected. procurement, grant development and school finance Defender: Why is the Harris County Board of support.

Education position important to the African-AmeriJohnson, a former City Council member for can community?

District B, is an entrepreneur, consultant, motivational Johnson: The dropout rate is at an astronomispeaker, strategist, community organizer and trainer. cal rate.

The Department of Education supplements He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications independent school districts across Harris County. from Texas Southern University.

Examples include Houston ISD, North Forest ISD and Lee, a former teacher, is a regional quality coorAldine ISD, which are primarily minority districts. dinator for the Nurse-Family Partnership. She earned HCDE helps support and supplement resources for the an undergraduate degree from the University of North independent school districts to reduce the dropout rate Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s of public policy in the community. from Duke University.

The board also provides early childhood developTheir race is one of the most interesting ones ment and Head Start classes which are important to the on the ballot. Both have high name recognition, and growth and development of our children. Also, providJohnson ran unsuccessfully against Lee’s mother, Coning continual ed for many of our adults who have yet gresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, in the 2010 Demoto receive their GED or High School diploma. cratic primary.

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Lee: Education has always been a stepping stone to a better life in the African-American community. We have fought for the access and opportunity to a quality education since we were brought to these shores. Currently, the HCBE has no AfricanAmerican trustees. Our tax dollars are being spent, but we are not fully participating in the decisionmaking.

Our community deserves representation on the board that works with all 26 school districts. If our children matter then the HCBE that provides early childhood education, afterschool, professional development and adult GED services among others should matter to you.

Defender: What are the biggest issues currently facing the board?

Johnson: The biggest issue is the shortage of funds to adequately provide tools/resources to successfully educate our children. I think another issue facing the board is the lack of diversity. Currently there are no African Americans serving on this board that would be sensitive to the issues the African-American community is facing.

Lee: The HCBE must balance competing demands with a lack of dollars. There are so many educational needs to be addressed in our communities and the board must work collaboratively with the 26 ISDs to improve academic achievement for students across the county.

There are board members who have tried to reduce key services and several early education staffers were laid off even though those programs have annual waiting lists. The board must focus on its core mission to collaborate with school districts to provide the best Continued on Page 8

localbriefs THREE WHITE MEN received sentences for their racially-motivated assault of a 29-year-old African-American man in Houston in 2011. They were found guilty of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. It was the first prosecution under the act in the Southern District of Texas. Brian Kerstetter, 33, was sentenced to 77 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Charles Cannon, 26, was sentenced to 37 months and three years of supervised release. Michael McLaughlin, 41, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. The trio attacked Yondell Johnson at a downtown bus stop. They were

arrested at the scene after a passerby called 911.

All three had tattoos known to reflect an affiliation with white supremacist groups…….. POLICE CONTINUE TO SEARCH for two men who carjacked and killed a 21-year-old minister outside his north Harris County apartment complex.

Desmond Jones, married and father of two small children, was returning from a fast food restaurant around 1:30 a.m. when the suspects shot him and stole his car. Jones, also a musician, was described by loved ones as a hard-working family man. Some 50 people gathered outside the complex where the shooting occurred to hold a prayer vigil……..THE ALZHEIMER’S

ASSOCIATION Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter is conducting a pilot program to help those living in the early stage of the disease remain connected and engaged. The Early-Stage Peer-to-Peer Outreach Program, which received funding from the MetLife Foundation, runs through Sept. 30. It connects newly diagnosed individuals with others living in the early stage of Alzheimer’s. After receiving training, volunteers conduct confidential telephone calls to answer questions and offer a unique perspective that only someone living with the disease can provide. For more information visit alz.org/texas or call 800272-3900.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2012

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national

U.S.briefs

Obama calls Colorado

violence ‘senseless’ Defender News Services

During a visit to Aurora, Colo. to meet with the wounded and slain victims’ family members, President Barack Obama spoke of the violence surrounding the deadly shooting that impacted them all.

The suspected gunman, 24-year-old James Holmes, allegedly opened fire in the crowded movie theater on July 20 while wearing body armor and a gas mask. Twelve people were killed – ranging in age from six to 51 – and 58 were injured.

Obama told those he visited that “words are always inadequate” in such situations.

“I also tried to assure them that although the perpetrator of this evil act has received a lot of attention over the last couple of days, that attention will fade away. And in the end, after he has felt the full force of our justice system, what will be remembered are the good people who were impacted by this tragedy.”

The rampage took place at a midnight screening of the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises.” Holmes is being held without bond at the county jail and will

President Barack Obama hugs Stephanie Davies while visiting her friend, shooting victim Allie Young, at a hospital in Aurora, Colo. Davies helped keep Young alive after she was wounded during the movie theater shooting that killed 12 and injured 58.

be formally charged on July 30.

Speaking to reporters after his visit, Obama quoted Revelation 21:4.

“Scripture says that ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.

Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’

“And when you have an opportunity to visit with families who have lost their loved ones – as I described to them, I come to them not so much as President as I do as

a father and as a husband,” Obama said.

He added that the nation was thinking of Aurora and praying for its community.

“And I hope that over the next several days, next several weeks, and next several months, we all reflect on how we can do something about some of the senseless violence that ends up marring this country, but also reflect on all the wonderful people who make this the greatest country on Earth,” Obama said.

HIV infection rate higher in Black gays Defender News Services

Study results recently released show disturbing rates of new HIV infections occurring among Black gay and bisexual men in the United States, particularly among young men.

The study was released at the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C., and compiled by the HIV Prevention Trials Network. HPTN is a clinical trials network that develops and tests the safety and efficacy of primarily non-vaccine interventions designed to prevent the transmis-

sion of HIV. Results showed that the overall rate of new HIV infections among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the study was 2.8% per year, a rate nearly 50% higher than in white MSM in the U.S. Even more alarming, young Black MSM – ages 30 and under – acquired HIV infection at a rate of 5.9% per year, three times the rate among U.S. white MSM. The overall infection rate among Black MSM in the study is comparable to the rate seen in the general populations of countries in

sub-Saharan Africa hardest hit by the HIV epidemic.

Study co-chair Darrell Wheeler, dean of the School of Social Work at Loyola University said, “We have known that Black MSM are affected by HIV at disproportionately higher rates when compared to other MSM in the U.S., but the HPTN 061 HIV incidence rates were extremely high.

“They make it very clear that we must urgently find and implement ways to stem the spread of HIV among Black gay men in this country, and critically among young Black gay men.”

ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER announced an overhaul of the troubled New Orleans Police Department, which has long been plagued by such problems as corruption, excessive use of force and racial discrimination.

The Department of Justice entered into a comprehensive, cooperative consent decree with the city to resolve allegations of unlawful police misconduct. The decree requires NOPD to make broad changes in policies and practices in such areas as use of force, searches and arrests, community engagement and training ……..AS SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE leaders convened in Florida to tackle issues such as the Trayvon Martin murder case, another SCLC faction sued its leadership seeking to stop the convention from proceeding.

Chapter activists filed a lawsuit seeking to bar the group from conducting business at its 55th annual convention held near Sanford, Fla. The lawsuit is part of a long string of internal squabbles and allegations that have damaged the organization……..FORMER SURGEON GENERAL DR. DAVID SATCHER said an oral health epidemic exists in the United States, especially among poor children and children of color. Satcher issued a renewed call for action to expand access to oral health care in light of the millions of children expected to gain dental benefits through the Affordable Care Act in 2014.

“We now have an opportunity to improve access to dental health services. But how do we put in place a health care system that meets the needs of all?” Satcher asked…….. THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION will install Dr. Rahn Kennedy Bailey as president during its annual convention on July 31 in New Orleans.

Bailey is associate professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Meharry Medical College. A graduate of Morehouse College, Bailey received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed his residency in psychiatry at UT Houston.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 39 WEEK OF JULY 26, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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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WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2012 DEFENDER

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entertainment Mario Van Peebles

5

and son team up

By Kam Williams Special to the Defender

Mario Van Peebles was born in Mexico City in 1957 to Maria Marx and the legendary actor/director/scriptwriter Melvin Van Peebles.

He made his acting debut as a teenager in his father’s film “Sweet Sweetback’s Badasssss Song (1971),” before embarking on an enduring acting career as a thespian marked by memorable outings in everything from “New Jack City (1991)” to playing Stokely Carmichael in “Panther (1995)” to impersonating Malcolm X in “Ali (2001).”

Mario also stepped behind the camera to direct a number of films, including “New Jack City” and “Posse (1993).”

His latest offering, “We the Party,” is a bit of a family affair, in that it stars his 18-year-old son, Mandela, and features his father and four other children, Makaylo, Maya, Morgana and Marley, in supporting roles.

Here, Mario and Mandela talk about the movie, a coming-of-age comedy which might be best thought of as an African-American variation on “American Pie.” It is currently available via video-on-demand and the DVD goes on sale July 31.

KW: What interested you in making “We the Party?”

Mario: Half of it came from just witnessing the party all around me. I had this cool constituency of five teenagers growing up, listening to all this new music and dealing with all the “isms” that are still alive. They’re trying to climb through “lookism,” classism, sexism, racism. Then they literally threw a huge party at the house for one of their birthdays.

Mandela: Yeah, one of my brothers and I have our birthdays around the same time, and my father wasn’t giving us as big an allowance as others in our age group. So, we figured we should pool our money, hire a DJ, hire security, order some pizza and refreshments, and charge $10 a head. It was

Mario and Mandela Van Peebles worked together in the film “We the Party.”

amazing! We had at least 500 people show up.

KW: Wow! Mario: But it never got out of control because “Dad” was there. I patrolled the premises with my video camera, and tried to keep the hormones from raging out of control. The way these kids behave, it sort of looks like safe sex out there on the floor. The last time I danced liked that I had a baby nine months later. So, inspired by real events, I started piecing the story together piece by piece.

KW: Mandela, was it weird being directed by your dad?

Mandela: No, it wasn’t, because I’ve been directed by him almost my whole life. That’s 18 years. However, it was important to know the difference between my dad and Mario

Van Peebles, the director. You gotta show up early, you gotta know your lines, and I had to set an example for the other actors, so they could see that even the director’s son was always prepared and very professional.

KW: Mario, was it hard keeping egos in check when you have stars like Snoop Dogg, Salli Richardson, Michael Jai White and Tony Lister in support roles?

Mario: One of the cool things about the adults in the movie is we’ve all been doing it for a minute. Salli, Tiny and I have been working together since “Posse”. And Snoop’s been The Doggfather for a while. So, we’re all pretty secure within ourselves. On top of that, it wasn’t just my crew in the movie. It was Snoop’s son [Corde Broadus], P. Diddy’s [stepson Quincy Brown], a Wayans kid [Gregg], and a lot of talented youngsters from “That’s So Raven” and “Hannah Montana,” plus some professional music and dance crews.

So, the adults were happy to be a part of a cool movie being made that had some nutritional value. And I think they also knew that when you make an independent movie like “We the Party,” you really have to put the money on the screen.

That’s why I only paid myself ten dollars to write it and one dollar to direct it…

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

Mario: I see a brother who’s been blessed in many ways.

One, I was raised by a guy who had a good sense of humor about life. He gets the joke of life, has great people skills, and knows how to make things happen. He not only taught me how to play basketball but how to own the team. Secondly, my mother was able to show me the mountain by taking me to auditions, and my father was then able to teach me how to climb it.

I also see a person who has arrived at a point in life where I’m learning from my children, my homegrown, teenage think tank. And now I’m functioning as the connective tissue between them and my parents, which is a really cool place to be.

What’sup SHERMAN HEMSLEY, known to TV audiences as George Jefferson, died July 24 at the age of 74 at his home in El Paso.

Hemsley first appeared as George on “All in the Family.” He and the late ISABEL SANFORD were given their own series in 1975. “The Jeffersons” ended in 1985. From 1986 to 1991 Hemsley starred as Deacon Ernest Frye in “Amen.” Born and reared in Philadelphia, Helmsley joined the Air Force. After the military he worked for the post office by day and attended acting school by night. He never married nor had children……..

THE JACKSON FAMILY is having its share of drama.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a family disturbance at the home of 82-year-old matriarch Katherine Jackson. Deputies determined there was an altercation between two people and the case remains under investigation. A day earlier, authorities reported that Katherine was safe in Arizona after her granddaughter, Paris, tweeted that she was missing.

Jermaine responded that his mother was resting under doctor’s orders……... IDRIS ELBA, who won a Golden Globe for his role as a detective on the BBC America series “Luther,” received an Emmy Award nomination for Leading Actor in a Made for TV Movie/Miniseries. Other nominations went to DON CHEADLE, Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, “House of Lies;” GIANCARLO ESPOSITO, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, “Breaking Bad;” and MAYA RUDOLPH, Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, “Saturday Night Live.” The Emmys air on Sept. 23……..MARIAH CAREY is one of the new judges on “American Idol.” “I can’t wait to channel my creative energy as a part of this show which is a massive global phenomenon,” said the five-time Grammy-winner……..ERIC BENET is feeling the heat from some fans because of his single “Redbone Girl,” an ode to a light-skinned woman. It features Li’l Wayne, whose lines include, “I like the long hair thick redbone” and “I like

them light skin, lighter than a feather.” Benet said criticism of the song is its own form of racism. “I did a song called “Chocolate Legs’ about my experience with a dark skin lady. There was no anger or uproar. ‘Redbone Girl’ is one song about one experience about a girl who happens to be light complected,” Benet said……..Funeral services are being scheduled for USHER’S stepson, 11-year-old Kile Glover, who died after being taken off life support. He was hit by a jet ski driven by a family friend, Jeffrey Hubbard........JOSEPH “JOEP” PALMORE is one of the poets featured at the Houston Public Library’s Public Poetry Summer Reading Series on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 2 p.m. at McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library, 7405 Stella Link. Palmore is co-founder of the Black Box Theatre Group, teaches theater and poetry at the Alley Theatre, and acts with the Ensemble Theatre. For information visit www. houstonlibrary.org.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

LeBron James

Cullen Jones

Olympic A S

By MAX EDISON Defender

ports’ greatest spectacle, the Summer Olympics, begins on July 27 and runs through Aug. 12 in London. More than 10,000 athletes from some 204 nations will be represented at the Games, which feature 26 sports in 39 different categories.

The estimated revenue derived from London hosting the Games is believed to be in the neighborhood of $3.5 billion.

The Summer Olympics always stir up an element of national pride as Americans pull for any participant clad in red, white and blue.

Whether the sport is as obscure as synchronized swimming and badminton or as popular as gymnastics and basketball, you can literally hear the chant of USA emanating from living rooms across the country.

Expect the United States team to be strong in the most popular sports of swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and track and field.

Swimming

LaShawn Merritt

The U.S. seeks to continue its dominance in the pool. All eyes will be on American Michael Phelps who captured 8 gold medals in Beijing in 2008. The US team is strong again in 2012.

In addition to Phelps, Cullen Jones (4x100-meter relay and 500-meter freestyle), who also won gold in Beijing, returns along with Anthony Ervin (50 and 100-meter freestyle).

Ervin’s story is a fascinating one. He won gold and silver medals in the Sydney Games in 2000, retired and is attempting a comeback in London.

On the women’s side, 17-year-old Missy Franklin is expected to be dominant. She won three gold medals, silver and a bronze at last year’s World Championships and is the world-record holder in the 200-meter backstroke. In addition, Lia Neal is pursuing gold in the 4x100 freestyle relay.

Throughout the years the women’s gymnastics competition has long been the darling of the summer Games, with its grace, finesse and raw athleticism.

Gymnastics

The U.S. team will be lead by Gabby Douglas. Nicknamed the “Flying Squirrel,” the 16-year-old from Des Moines, Iowa, was a key member of the gold medal-winning team at the World Championships in 2011 and the Pacific Rim Championships this year, where she also captured gold in the uneven bars.

She will be teamed with former world champion Jordyn Wieber to form the backbone of one of the strongest overall teams in recent memory.

Basketball

Basketball for the U.S. is a study of two different dynamics.

The men’s team, which is loaded with NBA All-Stars, is expected to dominate. The women’s team, loaded with WNBA AllStars, will be even more dominant, yet doesn’t get the recognition given the men.

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony – those names alone give the U.S. a major leg up on back-to-back Olympic gold. Lest the team gets too caught in its own press clippings, there is strong competition to be concerned about.

Gabby Douglas

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Houston represented in Olympics

Allyson Felix

Athletes to Watch The Spanish national team features a pair of talented 7-footers in Pau and Mark Gasol. This could be trouble for the Americans who are woefully thin on the inside with Tyson Chandler as the only experienced center on the squad.

Also look for the Argentine national team to be a force. Led by NBA stars Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola, the Argentineans are loaded with international experience and captured gold over many of these same NBA stars in 2004.

The women’s team will be shooting for its fifth consecutive gold medal in London. Coached by UConn’s Geno Auriemma, the American team is brimming with talent. WNBA Rookie of the Year Maya Moore, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi and Tamika Catchings are a sampling of the stars. Look for Australia to be the only real challenger to America’s dominance.

Track & Field

For many viewers the showcase of the Olympics is the track and field competition. The Beijing Games saw a subtle shift in power in the highlight events, the sprints.

The Americans had long been known as the leader in these events throughout the years, but in 2008 the Jamaicans team proved to be the new kids on the block.

Led by Usain Bolt’s record-breaking performance in the 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relays, the Jamaicans were stars in China. In addition to Bolt, his training partner and fellow countryman Yohan Blake has been every bit Bolt’s equal in the year leading up to the Olympics.

e Houston area for over 80 years

Americans Walter Dix and Dyson Gay (American holder) will be the principal competition for the talented Jamaican duo.

In other track events expect the U.S. men to be strong. David Oliver and Jason Richardson are two of the world’s best in the hurdles.

LaShawn Merritt won 400-meter gold in Beijing and is expected to repeat.

Gold-medal winner (2008) and five-time world champion Dwight Phillips missed the Olympics due to surgery. Jesse Williams (high jump) and Christian Taylor (triple jump) both won gold at the World Games last year and are favorites to repeat in London. In the women’s events Jamaica was just as dominant. Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Frazer, Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart sweep the 100 meters.

Veronica Campbell and Stewart claimed first and third in the 200 meters and the Jamaican team blew away the field in the 4x100-meter relay.

To counter the Jamaican onslaught, the Americans will counter with their own heavy artillery. Sprinter Allyson Felix competed in four events at the World Games and won medals in all four. Sprinter Carmelita Jeter is the second fastest sprinter in history.

The cupboard is by no means bare for the American women.

Lashinda Demus (400 hurdles) won gold last year at the World Games. Sanya Richards-Ross (400 hurdles), a former world champion, was a favorite in 2008 and got bronze, now she’s looking for gold in London.

Brittney Reese is the house favorite to win the long jump, having won every indoor and outdoor World Championship since Beijing.

Dawn Harper upset teammate and favorite LoLo Jones to win the gold medal the in 100-meter hurdles in Beijing. Both will be gunning for gold in London.

NBC will televise the Olympics, and watching the world’s best athletes compete is “Must See TV” for even the casual sports fan.

The city of Houston will be well represented when the 2012 Summer Olympics begin in London.

Diamond Dixon, a sophomore from Kansas and a Westside High School product, will be a participant on the U.S. women’s 4x400-meter relay team.

Dixon is also one of the youngest participants on the team. She is the first female track and field athlete from the University of Kansas to represent the U.S. in any Olympic games.

Local favorite Marlen Esparza was the first American female boxer to qualify for the American team. This is the first time women’s boxing has been an Olympic sport and Esparza, a six-time national champion in the featherweight division, is expected to capture gold.

The Lopez family of Sugarland will send two siblings to London to participate in the taekwondo competition. The team is coached by brother, Jean, and consists of Steve (middleweight, gold ’00,’04 and bronze ’08) and Diana (lightweight, bronze ’08). They all hope to better their efforts in 2012.

The University of Houston will have great representation in London. Track stars Seun Adigun and Errol Nolan, diver Anastasia Pozdniakova, and head diving coach Jane Figueiredo compete for their respective countries.

Adigun, a hurdler and assistant track coach at UH, is the two-time Nigerian and African 100-meter hurdles champion. She will be a member of the Nigerian national team.

Nolan is an All-American and Co-Conference USA Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. He qualified for his first Olympic Team after posting 45.25 seconds to finish fourth in the men’s 400 meters at the Jamaica Championship, earning him a spot on the Jamaican 4x400-meter relay.

He will be a member of the powerful Jamaican National team.

Pozdniakova was one of college diving’s most dominating performers from 2005 to 2009. She was a two-time NCAA individual national champion on the 1-meter springboard and finished as the national runner-up on the 3-meter board in 2010. She will be a member of the Russian National team.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Lee vs Johnson...Continued from page 3 ....

academic services possible so our students can fulfill his or her potential.

Defender: Why are you the most qualified candidate for the position?

Johnson: Prior to becoming City Council member of District B for the City of Houston, in which I dealt with almost a $2 billion budget, dealt with colleagues from very diverse backgrounds, crossing racial and political fronts, I was executive director of Phoenix Outreach Youth Center. POYC provided after-school care for over 10,000 kids over the course of 12 years.

I was also program coordinator for DARE America where we gave children an array of vocational classes to choose from for after school programming. I also run a number of child development centers across the state of Texas. These administrative positions mirror what HCDE does on a daily basis. This is what would make me the most qualified candidate.

Lee: As the only educator and certified teacher in the race, I know the challenges teachers face in and out of the classroom. I’m best qualified because I truly believe that all of our children can succeed given the opportunity.

I have in-depth knowledge of policy and education best practices having taken master’s courses in education and public policy. I helped write the $21 billion education budget for the State of New York including the $400 million expansion of universal pre-k. As trustee, approving the budget is one of our key duties; I am highly qualified to wisely use your tax dollars to improve education Defender: What would be your top priorities if elected?

Johnson: My number one priority when elected to the board will be to advocate and fund vocational programs for our school. For many years HISD has taken out wood shop, metal shop, and auto mechanics. All of these programs were effective in previous years of curbing the dropout rate, as well as, preparing our youth to enter the workforce.

Lee: My top priorities are to expand outreach, accessibility and quality service delivery. The HCDE is one of our communities’ best kept secrets. The department should move beyond the “best kept secret” to a leading education force for our children. I will bring the HCDE to the African-American community so that the department can learn how to better meet our needs.

Primary election contested A mix-up with new district boundaries for the Harris County Department of Education has caused uncertainty about the primary election results.

The HCDE recently filed suit in federal court seeking new elections for trustees whose boundaries were wrong in the May 29th primary. HCDE officials learned that outdated boundaries were used in the election for Positions 4 and 6.

Jarvis Johnson and Erica Lee are vying for the Position 6 seat. Early voting for the runoff has already started and mail ballots have gone out.

The lawsuit filed Reagan Flowers

by HCDE against the county maintains that using the given the opportunity to vote in wrong boundaries violates the the race was 1,396. The number Voting Rights Act of 1965 and of those who voted in the race but the 14th Amendment to the U.S. did not reside in the district was Constitution. HCDE is asking 872. that the May 29 primary results “Unfortunately,” Sumners be declared void for the two said, “there is no way to positions, and a special election positively know the impact on the be held in conjunction with the Position Six race of the failure to Nov. 6 general election. update (redistrict) the boundary It is also asking that filing lines…” for those seats be re-opened and In the race, Johnson received that Harris County be ordered to 16,557 votes (49.48%) and Lee see pre-k from the U.S. Justice received 13,569 votes (40.55%), Department under the Voting which forced a runoff.

Rights Act. Reagan Flowers, who came Outgoing Harris County Tax in third (3,333 votes, 9.96%), said Assessor-Collector Don Sumners the “incompetence” of Sumners’ informed candidates and county office “has denied thousands of officials of the error in a letter.

Harris County voters their right Though Position 4 was not to vote.” She also agreed with impacted by the error, Sumners the HCDE decision to file suit. said in the Position 6 race, “the Both Flowers and current number of voters who were not HCDE trustee Roy Morales

Don Sumners

have called for Sumners to resign. Sumners called Morales’ suggestion “political posturing.”

When asked what system his office has in place to prevent a mix-up from reoccurring, Sumners told the Defender: “If HCDE had notified the Harris County Voter Registrar of their redistricted boundaries as required by Sec. 42.0615 of the Texas Election Code, there would have been no error in the district boundaries used in the Primary Election. It is HCDE’s position that they were not required to do so because HCDE is a Harris County entity.

“Regardless of which position on notification eventually prevails, I feel that the Tax Office should have recognized that HCDE’s notification had not been received and the boundaries had not been changed. To prevent a reoccurrence the Tax Office is creating a check-off procedure for all entities having an election,” Sumners said.

Former Houstonian Kathleen Wilkes passes Defender News Services

Kathleen “Kathi” Wilkes, who lived in Houston for many years and was actively involved in the political scene, died July 14 at the age of 60.

A homegoing memorial service was held on July 24 in Alexandria, Va. A second memorial service will be held in Houston on Thursday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave. Wilkes was president and CEO of Wilkes & Associates in Washington,

D.C. and former chief of staff for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “Thank you, Kathi Wilkes, for your energy and willingness to help others,” Jackson Lee said. “It was through your efforts in my office that we were able to get the first statue of an AfricanAmerican woman, Sojourner Truth, to be placed in the Halls of the Capitol.

You did it with commitment, love and perseverance…”

Wilkes was born on Aug. 21, 1951 in West Virginia and grew up in Ohio.

She was a graduate of Howard Uni-

versity School of Communications, Temple University and Emory University School of Law. Survivors include her mother, Cora Edwards; son, Charles Wilkes; granddaughter, Tara Wilkes; uncle, Kenneth Edwards; adopted son, Shelley Davis, and other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to the “Kathleen Wilkes Memorial Fund,” c/o Fran Cox, 1532 Brookhaven Drive, McLean, Va., 22101.

Kathleen “Kathi” Wilkes

defendernetwork.com | WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2011 | DEFENDER

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Hospital district names medical director Dr. Ericka Brown has been named medical director of Ambulatory Care Services for the Harris County Hospital District.

Her duties will include oversight of services comprising 17 health centers, a dental center, seven school-based clinics, 15 clinics in homeless shelters and five mobile units, as well as the specialty clinics at Ben Taub General Hospital and Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital.

“I hope to help contribute to the Harris County Hospital District’s goal of creating a medical home and culture where patients feel valued and seek the resources of the hospital district as the best place for their care and healing,” Brown said.

Dr. Ericka Brown

Free health fairs for families Defender News Services

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CHIP, Children’s Medicaid, will be on site to assist with enrollment.

Children up to 18 years old can qualify for free immunizations. Parents must provide a child’s vaccine records to receive immunizations.

In addition, those wishing to complete health screenings must fast that morning.

The health fairs will be held at the following times and center locations: July 28 – Ripley House, 4410 T:4.79” Navi-

gation, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Aug. 11 – Independence Heights, 205 W. Crosstimbers, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Aug. 14 – Baker-Ripley, 6500 Rookin Street, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aug. 18 – Cleveland-Ripley/ LaPorte, 720 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For additional information call 713-669-5244 or visit www.neighborhood-centers.org/ health.

classified HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1



Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSurplus.com.

Houston Independent School District Is seeking the following: BUS DRIVERS - $ 14.66 per hour Free CDL Training, Guaranteed Route Hours, Flexible Schedules, Extra Work Assignments, High Tech Buses, Benefits & Retirement available and an Incredible Nationally Recognized Team of People to Work With. For further information apply in person at one of our four conveniently located terminals at:

LEGAL NOTICE This Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off game will close on August 27, 2012. You have until February 23, 2013, to redeem any tickets for this game: Game #1432 $100,000 Silver & Gold ($5) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.59 These Texas Lottery Commission Scratch-Off games will close on September 26, 2012.

You have until March 25, 2013, to redeem any tickets for these games: Game #1358 Mega Money ($5) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.50 Game #1377 $100,000 Extreme Cash ($5) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.65 Game #1383 Loteria® Texas ($3) Overall Odds are 1 in 3.99 Game #1397 Lucky 7’s ($1) Overall Odds are 1 in 4.67

Project 12-07-01 –RFP- Bulk Oil – Lubricants – Transmission Fluid – with a deadline of 2 P.M. August 8, 2012. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center - 4400 West 18th Street - Room 3C12, Houston, Texas 77092 on July 31st , 2012 at 10:00 A.M.

Barnett Motor Pool

Butler Motor Pool

6800 Fairway Houston, Texas 77087

6690 Carved Rock Houston, Texas 77085

(713) 845-5022

(713) 726-2100

Central Motor Pool

Northwest Motor Pool

7700 Wallisville Road Houston, Texas 77029

6351 Pinemont Drive Houston, Texas 77092

(713) 676-9432

(713) 613-3049

Check our website at www.houstonisd.org to also apply or call

T:3.25”

eighborhood Centers Inc. and Wal-Mart are sponsoring a series of back-to-school health fairs to reach those who would not otherwise receive medical care.

Last year more than 22,000 people attended the health fairs.

“Many of our clients use this opportunity as their annual wellness check-up,” said Tamara Duncan, Neighborhood Centers’ family health and wellness program developer and project director.

“The entire family, from grandparents to grandchildren, can really get all of the preventive care that they need at this event.”

Neighborhood Centers and WalMart partnered with major health care providers in-

cluding Texas Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Walgreens and CVS, as well as community clinics to provide patients with access to care assistance.

Participants will be able to receive physician consultation, immunizations and glucose, cholesterol, vision, dental and body-mass index screenings.

Healthy cooking demonstrations will also be held at the fairs, and representatives from Medicaid and

Brown most recently worked as a medical director for a private practice of 10 physicians in the Chicago area.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago.

In 2010, she received the award for Exemplary Physician Achieving Exceptional Health Outcomes.

“Dr. Brown brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Harris County Hospital District, and we are confident that she will continue to contribute to the health and wellness of our patients.

We’re pleased to have her join our leadership team,” said Ricci Sanchez, associate administrator of Ambulatory Care Services.

(713) 226-4531 All applicants are subject to verification of work experience, certification, references, and criminal history check. It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability,

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas Education. © 2012 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

ancestry, national origin, martial status, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or political affiliation in it’s educational or employment schedules and activities.

10

DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2012

feature

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Save gas with smarter driving

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Family Features

igh gas prices and an uncertain economy are putting vehicle fuel efficiency at the top of many drivers’ priority lists. A 2011 survey

by Consumer Reports found that 62 percent of those surveyed are planning on making their next car much more fuel efficient.

But what if a new vehicle isn’t in your budget? Take heart — there are steps you can take now that can help increase fuel efficiency in what you’re driving today.

John and Helen Taylor, known as the world’s most fuel efficient couple, hold 89 world records and travel the world stretching the boundaries of fuel efficiency, are here to help others do the same.

The Taylors say that by simply following the MAP – maintenance, actions and products – to smarter driving, drivers can become more fuel efficient and do it on a budget.

Maintenance Perform smart maintenance before you drive, including: • Make sure tires are not over or underinflated.

Proper air pressure cuts down on fuel used while driving. Keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by more than 3 percent.

• Keep your engine well-tuned and repair problems immediately. If your car has failed an emissions test or is noticeably out of tune, repairing the problem could improve your gasoline mileage by 4 percent, on average.

Actions Practice smart actions and behaviors while you’re behind the wheel.

• Avoid the highs and find the lows. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower gasoline mileage by five percent at lower speeds and by 33 percent at highway speeds. You should assume that each five mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.29 per gallon for

gas (savings based on an assumed fuel price of $3.65 per gallon).

• Avoid idling, which gets zero miles per gallon. Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and AC use. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked. It only takes a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle. Turning your engine on and off excessively, however, may increase starter wear.

Products Purchase smart products at the right price without sacrificing quality.

• Choose a high-quality gasoline. Lower-quality gasolines can leave harmful carbon deposits or “gunk,” which can build up on intake valves and fuel injectors. This negatively impacts engine performance, vehicle responsiveness and reduction of fuel flow — all potentially leading to reduced fuel economy.

• Use a loyalty or rewards payment card to save.

To learn more visit www.Shell.us/smarterdriving.

More tips

Additional advice on fuel efficiency can be on www.fueleconomy.gov. It includes: Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the speed limit. While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.

Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Remove excess weight. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle’s weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Use cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Choose the right vehicle. Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you can make. The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $840 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.36). That’s $4,200 extra in fuel costs over five years.

H.S. Sports is on vacation

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2012 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Penn State punished First it was the Freeh report, the independent investigation into the Penn State sexual abuse scandal that concluded that key administrators – including former head coach Joe Paterno – were involved in covering up the actions of former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky and his abuse of young boys. Now the NCAA has imposed sanctions on the university. The NCAA took unprecedented measures with the decision to penalize Penn State. The university was fined $60 million, received a four-year football postseason ban and all wins dating back to 1998-2011 by Paterno have been vacated. That move means the late Eddie Robinson, the former Grambling head coach, has the overall NCAA Division I record with 408 wins.

In addition, Penn Sate had their annual scholarships reduced by 20 per year and was placed on five years of probation. The NCAA said the $60 million is equivalent to the annual gross revenue of the football program. The money must be paid into an endowment for external programs preventing child sexual abuse or assisting victims.

PV bowlers acknowledged After posting a solid year on the lanes, including a SWAC Championship and a national ranking, two members of the Prairie View A&M bowling team were also successful in the classroom as they earned 2011-12 National Tenpins Coaches Association Academic Honors. Receiving NTCA honors were freshman Sharita Turner and junior Roonesia Newsom. The athletes were required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.40 for the 2011-12 academic year. First, second and third team distinction was accorded based upon the NTCA postseason All-America voting. The NTCA is the organization of NCAA bowling head coaches. Under the guidance of head coach Glenn White, the PV Lady Panthers had another historic season in 2011-12 as they were crowned SWAC tournament champions for the first time ever and have participated in the championship round of the SWAC bowling tournament for three-consecutive seasons. The Lady Panthers also finished the season ranked No. 19 in the NTCA Coaches Poll.

Cowboy Dez Bryant’s mom won’t press charges The mother of Cowboy wideout Dez Bryant has decided she doesn’t want to press charges after a recent incident at their Dallas area home. A Dallas County district attorney’s spokeswoman says the case DeSoto police filed against Bryant includes an affidavit of non-prosecution from the complainant. The affidavit means the complainant doesn’t want to proceed. Police in the southern Dallas suburb arrested Bryant after a July 14 incident in which he allegedly hit his mother, Angela Bryant, across the face with a ball cap. A police affidavit says Bryant grabbed his mother by her T-shirt, causing her bra to tear. Prosecutors haven’t said whether they will pursue the case. Dez Bryant is accused of misdemeanor family violence. The Cowboys will need the talented Bryant to have a clear focus and a big year if they expect to compete in the NFC Eastern Division.

Jeremy Lin

sports

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has ‘a lot to prove’ For Lin the goals are plain and simple “The only thing I can he wait is now really promise is I’m going to over and everygive my best effort. I’m going one can exhale. to try my best to be a great Jeremy Lin – playmaker, a great decision6-feet-3, 200 maker. I’m going to try my pounds – is now a Houston best to be a humble leader and Rocket. The former Harvard serve my teammates. That’s All-Star hit the jackpot my goal and I want to get betrecently, signing a four-year ter and I want this team to get contract reportedly worth better and we’re going to put $28 million after being cut our best foot forward.” by this same Rocket team Lin realizes that he has literally a year ago. come a long way in a short For a franchise that has period of time and that he has been working feverishly the room to grow to become a entire off season pursuing a complete player. deal that would land them “I know what I need to a franchise level player, the do to get better as a player,” Lin signing will have to he explained. “I’ve spent a lot quell fans’ appetites for the of time breaking down film Jeremy Lin displays his new Rocket jersey with team owner Les Alexander. time being. and stats from last year. They’re come so fast,” Lin continued. “I’m Lin should be an imme[critics] right; I haven’t done this just trying to make sure everyday I diate fan favorite. He’s the classic for a long time. I still have a lot wake up and focus on what needs example of good things happening to prove. I still have a lot to do to to be done that day. I want to make to the person who is prepared when become established. I’ll be the first sure as a person and as a player I’m their opportunity comes about. to admit it. In terms of criticism, I try consistent in what I believe in. WakThe past 12 months for Lin has to make sure I focus on what I feel I ing up everyday trying to glorify God need to do to get better at and what been like a movie script. Undrafted and give my best effort and get better my coaches want me to get better at.” player gets cut from NBA team, as a person and as a player. I play for catches on with another in the Lin also knows the areas of his God and I play hard.” world’s largest media market, is one game he needs to improve. day away from being waived when “The first thing is to get my legs he gets an opportunity to start and and my muscles able to withstand a proceeds to play like an All-Star. That whole season completely healthy and player is later reunited with the team to not lose any speed or explosivethat cut him, signs a multi-million ness in my play. I want to get much dollar contract and lives happily ever better in everything with my left after. hand. Passing, finishing, driving left, “It’s been an unbelievable ride. making decisions while going left, A lot of things I didn’t expect to the mid-range game, the catch and happen in terms of how last season shoot.” went,” Lin said. “I still have to kind Lin is a key piece to the puzzle of remind myself that this is all to bring the Rockets back to respectactually happening, but ability, but he’s one guy and it’s a huge blessing from as he has aptly explained God. I can’t believe his game is far from perhow it all shaped up fect. GM Daryl Morey still and for me to be able to has to make a deal to land be here. I’m definitely a marquee player that can excited and thankful. make the team a serious “I’m just trying playoff contender. to take it one day at a Jeremy Lin meets the Houston time. A lot of stuff has media after signing a fourBy Max Edison Defender

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year deal to join the Rockets.

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12 DEFENDER | WEEK OF JULY 26 | 2012

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