Houston Defender: July 27, 2017

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PREPARATIONS FOR 2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON ARE UNDERWAY. P11

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Volume 86 | Number 41

JULY 27, 2017 |FREE

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NEWSTALK LENWOOD JOHNSON activist close to being homeless

P2 NATIONAL DERRICK JOHNSON named interim NAACP president

P3

ENTERTAINMENT COURTNEY GLAUDE

Houston producer screens new film

P5

THE SANDWICH GENERATION H PAGE 6

TOP EVENTS

Ulysha Hall

Kyle Porter

The former Detroit deputy chief is the first female to serve as chief in Dallas. She’ll face big challenges, including low morale, failing pensions and a dwindling police department. But she says she’s up to the challenge.

The All-American, all-state and three-time all-district honoree from Katy High School is among the faces poised and ready to help bring the University of Texas Longhorns a season of victory.

new Dallas police chief

Dr. Carol Cummings and Dr. Althea Stephens attend The Association of Black Psychologists Annual Convention.

P12

returns for UT

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DEFENDER | JULY 27 | 2017

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newstalk

Black driver at center of human smuggling case deliver an empty trailer to a buyer in Brownsville, Texas.

Bradley, however, also told investigators James Matthew Bradley Jr., that he had no timetable, and drove 200 miles a tractor-trailer driver, could face out of his way to Laredo to have the tractorup to life imprisonment – or even trailer washed and detailed. the death penalty – in connection Rather than drive to Brownsville to deliver with the deaths of 10 immigrants the empty trailer, Bradley ended up with a found in the back of a trailer in San trailer full of undocumented immigrants in a Antonio.

Walmart parking lot in San Antonio.

That's according to a criminal When arrested, Bradley claimed he was complaint filed in U.S. District unaware that anywhere from 70 to several hunCourt, highlighting Bradley's dred individuals were inside the trailer. When alleged web of deceit, and details he opened the doors he said he was run over by how a Mexican drug cartel put the James Bradley Jr. is shown being “Spanish” people and knocked to the ground. deadly plan into motion. transported in San Antonio.

He said he “noticed bodies just lying on the The 60-year-old trucker from [trailer] floor like meat.” He also said “he knew Clearwater, Fla., gave federal authorthe trailer refrigeration system didn’t work and that the four ities his version of the events after the gruesome discovery. vent holes were probably clogged up.”

He said he was hired by an Iowa transportation company to Defender News Services

Dallas hires first female police chief Defender News Services

The Dallas Police Department has a new police chief. Detroit Deputy Chief Ulysha Renee Hall will be the first woman to serve in the position in Dallas.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Dallas Police Department at this critical time in its history,” Hall said. “I look forward to building on the successes of the past, preserving community trust and ensuring the safety of our officers and the entire Dallas community.”

During her time with the Detroit police, Hall established and oversaw a neighborhood policing program to build bridges between minority communiUlysha Renee Hall ties and officers.

According to the City of Dallas, Detroit saw a 40-year low in homicides and "double-digit reductions in violent crime for three consecutive years" during her time with the department.

The new chief faces big challenges, including low morale, failing pensions and a dwindling police department.

4th Ward activist faces homelessness

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

Longtime Fourth Ward community activist Lenwood Johnson has found himself caught in Houston’s gap in affordable housing for low-income renters. Harris County is near the bottom of the 100 largest counties in terms of affordability, according to a report from the Urban Institute and the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

After over a decade of renting a residence on Genesee Street in Fourth Ward, Johnson, a veteran Freedman’s Town and Allen Parkway Village activist, is being

forced to move due to repair reasons listed in a terminate right of occupancy notice.

Perata Bradley, CEO of Write -A-lot Publications and a long-time friend of Johnson’s, said although Johnson, who is 74, is prepared to leave without a fight, he has no other place to go.

“Because of health issues related to his age, Lenwood would like to be in a familiar area with people who are willing and able to be of assistance,” said Bradley.

“The problem at hand is the Fourth Ward community doesn’t have any vacant homes or rentals that could match his fixed income. The duplex he is renting is

leased for $300, the lowest amount in the area and his income won’t allow him to afford anything else that has an increase in rent.”

Johnson said Houston’s flaws in building enough affordable housing will continue to tear families apart and leave multiple people without homes.

“The remaining residents of Freedman's Town will eventually face the same fate if something isn’t done,” he said.

“What we need right now is to get the community aware and involved.”

For more information on how to help Johnson and others visit Eyesof4thwardmediateam.wordpress.com

Lenwood Johnson is in need of another place to live.

localbriefs CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE IS BLASTING the president’s reported intentions to fire the special counsel and issue blanket pardons to the people under investigation. “The special counsel’s investigation into potential collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russian operatives during the 2016 presidential election is vital to the protection of America’s democracy. Therefore, it is imperative that Congress act to prevent Mr. Trump from using Presidential powers in a manner to subvert justice and imperil our electoral process,” she said. Jackson Lee introduced a resolution to stop the President from firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller and issuing

blanket pardons to the people under investigation…

STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE WARNING of an increase in Texas in the number of people who’ve contracted a food-borne illness often linked to imported produce. The Department of State Health Services says 68 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the last month and officials are asking health care providers to pursue testing and report any additional cases. There are more than 250 different food-borne diseases, but cyclosporiasis is among the most common that are closely tracked by health agencies. It often spreads when human feces contaminated with the cyclospora parasite come into contact with water or produce. Health

officials recommend thoroughly washing all produce, but cyclospora can be difficult to wash off. Cooking will kill the parasite…..NEW STATE-LEVEL JOBS REPORT shows Texas leads the nation in job creation. Texas added 40,200 jobs and in the last 12 months 319,300 jobs, more than any other city in the nation…..MISSOURI CITY OPENS FOR CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS for their General Election. Positions on the 2017 Ballot: Councilmember District A; Councilmember District B; Councilmember District C; Councilmember District D. The term of office for these positions is two years— November 2017 to November 2019. Applications are accepted through Aug. 21, 2017 at 5 p.m.

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JULY 27 | 2017 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC U.S. REP. MAXINE WATERS said she will consider a potential run for president in 2020 if millennials want her to run. Waters, 78, is in her 14th term representing South Central L.A. and has become known for calling for Trump’s impeachment……. CHICAGO’S MURDER RATE REACHED A 20-YEAR HIGH in 2016, with homicides soaring to 762. This year, the city is on pace to surpass that figure.

Another violent weekend resulted in at least six more deaths, bringing this year’s total to 391. This year’s death toll is outpacing 2016 by four homicides. However, the number of people shot is down: 2,112 this year, compared to 2,337 in 2016…..A GROUP OF TEENS IN COCOA, FLA. who allegedly laughed, taunted and filmed a drowning man with a disability will face criminal charges.

Previously, the police department said that they would be unable to charge the teens, but now, authorities are charging the teens under a state statute typically reserved for medical examiners obligated to report deaths. The case sparked outrage when it was revealed that five teenage boys, 14 to16, reportedly stood and watched for more than two minutes as 32-year-old Jamel Dunn struggled to stay afloat in a fenced-off retention pond.

Not one of the teenagers attempted to assist Dunn or call for help. Instead, they laughed and filmed his final moments……..THE BALTIMORE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED an officer after a short video showing him planting drugs went viral.

The 90-second video was recorded on Officer Richard Pinheiro’s body camera and shows Pinheiro placing a plastic bag into a red can and hiding it among the trash as two other officers watch him. The state attorney’s office dismissed the case against the drug suspect after an assistant public defender, who represented the man, forwarded them the video.

The suspect had been in jail since January in lieu of $50,000 bail he could not pay.

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 41 JULY 27, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

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

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

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NAACP appoints Johnson interim president, CEO Defender News Services

Derrick Johnson, who serves at the helm of the NAACP’s Mississippi chapter, was unanimously chosen by the executive board to take on the role of interim president and CEO. His appointment comes after the NAACP decided to remove Cornell William Brooks as president in May to find a leader who could guide the organization in a heated political climate.

Johnson was humbled by the Derrick Johnson fact that he was selected to lead the organization that has made major contributions to the progression of civil rights since its inception, the outlet reported. He said that he’s cognizant of the current state of politics and believes there is more work to be done.

“We are facing unprecedented threats to our democracy and we will not be sidelined while our rights are being eroded every day. We remain steadfast and immovable, and stand ready on the front lines of

the fight for justice,” said Johnson in a statement.

He’s reportedly considering hosting a national listening tour to reinvigorate the organization that was founded over 100 years ago, the outlet wrote.

Johnson, who is vice chairman of the NAACP national board of directors, is the founder of an organization called One Voice, which is centered on pushing for civic engagement to improve the lives of those from disenfranchised communities.

“I could not think of a better, more battle-tested or more qualified individual to guide the NAACP through this transition period,” said Leon Russell, board chairman of the NAACP. “Derrick’s longtime service with the association will allow him to take decisive action to deal with daily challenges. He will also serve as the primary spokesman for the NAACP. I have every confidence in Derrick and will support him in this new endeavor every step of the way.”

Johnson will serve as president and CEO until a permanent one is selected.

NRA blames Black Lives Matter Defender News Services

The Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality has inspired so much “racial hatred” that white people in America should fear for their lives, a correspondent for the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) streaming network said.

In a segment produced for the American gun lobbying organization’s online channel, conservative host Grant Stinchfield said race relations are deeply strained in the country after Barack Obama’s presidency.

“But nowhere is near as bad as The NRA says BLM is to blame for racial hatred. it is in South Africa where white ated as a response to the repeated cases of police families are being tortured and killed officers violently targeting Black people amid almost every day in racist violence. It is a warndocumented evidence of racial bias in police ing for the United States that you will never hear precincts across the nation. But the NRA doesn’t from the mainstream media in this country,” he care. added.

“White victimhood is a right-wing tactic that He then turned the segment over to “frontline inverts the left’s narratives of minority discrimicorrespondent” Chuck Holton, a freelance camnation and neocolonialism. This tactic denies eraman for the Christian Broadcasting Network. that there is such a thing as white privilege, and “This racial hatred is being forced on the attempts to camouflage white domination,” wrote American culture by the Black Lives Matter Charles Villet, a professor at Monash South Afcrowd,” Holton said. rica University in Johannesburg.

The Black Lives Matter movement was cre-

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JULY 27 | 2017 | DEFENDER

entertainment

Courtney Ja’Paul Glaudé

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Producer shines a light on domestic abuse

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

A

s a child growing up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Courtney Ja’Paul Glaudé dealt with abuse and bullying. He found himself escaping into his imagination, creating a different reality, and uncovering his passion for filmmaking in the process.

Now, his childhood passion has led to a career in movies.

Glaudé has written and produced two short films: “Row” and “Pit Stop.” Both films are in the film festival circuit now with “Row” winning the Los Angeles Short Film Festival for Best Drama 2017.

But it’s his latest work that has Glaudé ready to use his platform to educate the public about important issues, particularly domestic violence.

Glaudé has embraced the diversity of Houston with his latest feature film called “Blink,” about a teacher who, on the surface, appears to have a perfect marriage but in reality, is dealing with an abusive husband.

Written and directed by Glaudé, the movie will premiere in Houston on July 29. Here he talks with the Defender about his motivation and how the Bayou City has influenced him as an artist.

Defender: What message do you hope people get from “Blink?”

Courtney Ja’Paul Glaudé: I’d like people to see that domestic violence is a learned behavior that stems from a broken place within an individual. No one just randomly wakes up one morning deciding to beat his or her mate. “Blink” reveals the reasons people make these choices, and also looks at why the people around them choose not to say anything.

Defender: Why did you decide to focus on domestic violence?

Glaudé: When I was a kid; I saw my mother try to work it out with a man that abused her. My original thought was that she stayed because of fear, but that wasn’t the case. My mother stayed because she believed that was love. I also wanted to know why he only hit my mother sometimes? Curiosity made me think that maybe my mother was doing something to trigger this action.

Defender: How has being a native Houstonian shaped you as an artist?

Glaudé: Honestly, being from Houston teaches you that you have to be more than just an artist. You have to have resilient faith in what you’re doing, with a work ethic to match because Houston won’t just give you anything; you have to earn it. Houston helped shape me into a self-made businessman, because it won’t support you until you prove you can do it.

Defender: What’s next for you?

Glaudé: I’m trying to reach out to sponsors, organizations, and domestic violence support groups to do a 10-city premiere tour with the film. I’d like to play the film with a panel of advisors and survivors to let the women in these cities know that there are resources available to them and that they are not alone or to blame.

Defender: What will people be surprised to know about you?

Glaudé: I’m cooler than their daddy was in the '80s. lol j/k

what’sup “Girls Trip” opened with a bang over the weekend, notching a $30.371 million debut and giving the summer (if not the year) its first real breakout comedy. The movie, starring QUEEN LATIFAH, JADA PINKETT SMITH, REGINA HALL and TIFFANY HADDISH, cost $20 million to make and was produced by WILL PACKER……..

Universal Pictures has signed a first-look production deal with writer-director-producer MALCOLM D. LEE, who directed “Girls Trip.” The deal gives the company first dibs on any new material Lee decides to develop. The studio can then decide whether it wants to produce, finance or distribute the

finalized project……..Another woman is coming forward with allegations against R. KELLY as the R&B superstar has been inundated with charges that he has been controlling women in a “cult” in which he dictates every aspect of their lives. The woman said that she managed to avoid falling into the same kind of situation because she told her mother about what was happening, and her mother intervened. The unidentified woman said that her relationship began when she was 20 years old and a member of Kelly’s crew gave her a wristband to go backstage during a show. Kelly gave her his number, and as they exchanged calls and text

messages, he promised to help her with her dream career of being an actress and model……..Over 90 people were hospitalized during a concert that CHANCE THE RAPPER headlined in Hartford, Conn. Many of the hospitalizations were a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

Underage drinking seemed to be a major issue at Hot 93.7’s Hot Jam concert, whose crowd was a mix of late teens and individuals in their early 20s. According to police, there were 50 underage drinking referrals at the Xfinity Theatre, and a majority of those who were hospitalized suffered from “severe intoxication.”

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DEFENDER | JULY 27 | 2017

THE SANDWICH

Feeling sandwiched? Tips for caregivers If you’re part of the sandwich generation, caring for yourself is as important as caring for your loved ones.

“A person may be so focused on their loved one and not realize that his or her own health and well-being are suffering,” said the Houston Health Department’s Deborah Moore.

“As a caregiver, a person is more likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. In addition, this person may not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a balanced diet which increases their risk of medical problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.”

Caregivers should also beware of stress.

“Understand that stress is a given when it comes to taking care of any individual, therefore learning to cope with it is important,” Moore said.

“Caregivers should make time to attend at least one class like the one we offer within our agency – Conversation with Caregivers – so they can identify triggers for stress and ideas on how to cope.”

Signs of stress might include feeling angry or sad, feeling like you don’t have enough time for yourself, sleeping or eating too much or too little or losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

Other caregiver tips include:

1. Get organized. Prioritize and plan each day. Get rid of clutter, whether it’s a junk drawer, messy closet or piles of old mail.

2. Learn to relax. Simple techniques include breathing exercises, such as slowly inhaling and exhaling; meditation, dedicating time each day to letting go of stressful thoughts; and visualization, mentally picturing a peaceful situation or place.

3. Find time for yourself. Schedule personal time when you plan your day. Savor a cup of tea or read a chapter in a novel. Enjoy your favorite hobby, get a manicure/pedicure or pray.

4. Become an educated caregiver. If your parent is living with a disease such as Alzheimer’s, learn all you can to better understand personality changes and behaviors that accompany it.

5. Set rules for grown children living at home.

• Agree on an amount your children can pay for room and board to help them be financially responsible.

• If your child is unemployed, insist that they actively seek work and don’t put yourself in a financial bind to help them out.

• Make sure they respect your space. It may be okay for them to have occasional visits from friends but your place is

not a frat house.

• If you disapprove of smoking or drinkin them do it at home. The same goes for keeping or letting dirty laundry pile up.

• Set a realistic deadline for your child to and help him or her achieve it.

Additional Sources: AARP, Alzheimer’s As ing.com, U.S. Department of Health and Hum

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H GENERATION

Caught in the middle caring for children, parents

F

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

or adults who belong to the sandwich generation, life can be rewarding yet challenging. They find themselves “sandwiched” between caring for their aging parents and young or grown children, often providing support while holding down full-time jobs.

Though being a multi-generational caregiver can be stressful at times, it can also bring families closer together and enhance the quality of life for loved ones.

Members of the sandwich generation were profiled in a study by the Pew Research Center, a Washington, D.C. fact tank. The study’s authors, Kim Parker and Eileen Patten, reported that nearly half (47 percent) of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child age 18 or older. The report also found that: • 21 percent of African-Americans have a parent age 65 or older and a dependent child, compared to 24 percent of whites and 31 percent of Hispanics.

• Men and women are equally likely to be members of the sandwich generation.

• Married adults (36 percent) are more likely than unmarried adults (13 percent) to be sandwiched between their parents and their children.

“Adults who are part of the sandwich generation are pulled in many directions,” said Parker and Patten. “Not

only do many provide care and financial support to their parents and their children, but nearly four-in-ten (38 percent) say both their grown children and their parents rely on them for emotional support.”

Because caregivers are often pulled in many directions, it’s important that they realize their limitations said Deborah Moore, assistant director of the Houston Health Department and director of the Harris County Area Agency on Aging (HCAAA).

“The number one thing a caregiver should keep in mind is that it is not possible to do it all alone without assistance from extended family, friends and the community,” Moore said.

Deborah Moore “When this is not an option hiring someone to give him some relief from caring for a loved one is an option. The emotional and physical demands involved with caregiving can strain even the most resilient person. That's why it's so important to take advantage of the many resources and tools available to help the caregiver provide care for their loved one.”

Moore said that one program offered by HCAAA, the Care Connection Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), provides information connecting caregivers to services needed to manage the challenges of caring for

individuals of any age or disability.

“The ADRC offers vouchers to eligible individuals that allow caregivers to take time off (respite) from caregiving responsibilities and provides education to caregivers about the importance of taking care of their health and well-being,” she said.

Moore added that the most challenging part of being a caregiver is remaining patient and staying mentally tough.

“This means understanding that there will be difficult and frustrating times as well as setbacks in the caregiving journey,” she said. “The caregiver must be resourceful and a strong advocate for the loved one regardless of the barriers that arise.”

Being a caregiver also has its benefits.

“One of the most rewarding parts of being a caregiver is the closeness it brings to the family,” Moore said. “Whether a family comes together to assist in caregiving or one child is the main caregiver, you get to share a unique experience with an aging parent and know you are caring for them as they once did for you.”

RESOURCES to lighten the load

ng don’t let g a messy room leave home

ssociation, carman Services

• Alzheimer’s Association – Works on a global, national and local level to provide care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Info: www.alz.org or 1-800-272-3900.

• BakerRipley – Formerly known as Neighborhood Centers. Offers services for seniors through 20 centers.

Info: www.bakerripley.org or 713-667-9400 • Caregiver Action Network – Works to improve the quality of life for Americans who care for loved ones. Info: www.caregiveraction.org • Family Services of Greater Houston – Provides services such as parenting and life skills classes. Info: www.familyhouston.org or 713-861-4849 • Harris County Area Agency on Aging – Meets the social, nutritional, educational and logistical needs of residents 60 and older. Offers training, conferences and forums on caregiving. Info: www.houstontx.gov/

the Houston area for over 85 years

health/Aging/ or 832-393-4301 • Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging – Helps older Texans remain independent and healthy through services and assistance. Serves 12 counties, including Fort Bend, Galveston, Montgomery and Waller.

Info: www.h-gac.com/human-services/aging/ • Interfaith Ministries' Meals on Wheels – Provides home-delivered meals to homebound seniors over 60 and their spouses. Info: www.imgh.org or 713-5334937 • National Alliance for Caregiving – Focuses on advancing family caregiving through research, innovation and advocacy. Info: www.caregiving.org • Take Time Texas – Along with the Texas Lifespan Respite Care Program, offers short-term respite care services to provide a brief period of relief or rest for caregivers. Info: www.dads.state.tx.us/taketimetexas/

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DEFENDER | JULY 27 | 2017

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CDC: More Black women killed by partners Defender News Services

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A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that nearly half of the American women who are murdered are killed by their romantic partners, and a disproportionate number of female homicide victims are Black women.

“By race/ethnicity, nonHispanic Black women had the highest rate of dying by homicide (4.4 per 100,000), followed

by American Indian/Alaska Native (4.3), Hispanic (1.8) and non-Hispanic white (1.5),” the report said.

The report found that of all the deaths, the women had been the victim of some sort of violence the month before. And arguments or jealousy were often the catalysts for the violence

that led to their deaths.

Black women were number one in many of the categories, including deaths among women 18-29 and women who were single or never married at the time of their death. Firearms were most commonly used against Black women.

In order to address these issues, the CDC recommends more programs to aid women who are in abusive relationships, more education about healthy relationships and relationship skills, such as anger management and conflict resolution.

They also reported that preventing this type of violence starts with addressing the community as a whole, noting that neighbors with higher rates of poverty, health inequities, etc contributed to increased intimate partner violence.

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Wells Fargo invests $115k in Houston teacher program Defender News Services

Wells Fargo is making a $115,000 investment for The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Teacher Quality And Retention Program Summer Institute (TQRP) in Houston, TX to better equip Fellows with the knowlTQRP members. edge and skills needed to prepare for, enter and succeed in competitive and challenging teaching environments. In addition, the TQRP helped aspiring and new teachers further develop and refine their basic pedagogical skills, as well as work to acquire the tools needed to become teacher leaders on their campuses and beyond.

“Wells Fargo is committed to making a difference in education,” said Gigi Dixon, director of national partnerships for Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to support TMCF as it creates access to high-quality and affordable education, while develop-

JULY 27 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.

LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE.

ing the next generation of teachers.”

During the two-week summer institute in Houston, TX, Wells Fargo team members led financial literacy workshops that taught their Hands on Banking curriculum, educating Fellows on issues such as managing debt, savings, and how to understand credit. Wells Fargo recruiter, Anastasia ‘Stacy’ Penright, delivered the Institute’s closing remarks.

“Wells Fargo’s consistent support of TMCF and our HBCUs amounts to well over $7M in direct benefit to our students and schools,” said TMCF President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.

Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home and greater access to what’s important to you. You may qualify if you have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or if you receive HUD housing assistance.

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DEFENDER | JULY 27 | 2017

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sports

Will new football faces produce wins at UT?

I

By MAX EDISON Defender

t has been eight months since Tom Herman, the latest “savior” for University of Texas football, took over as head coach on the 40 acres. Herman succeeds Charlie Strong, who labored for three seasons at UT, but was unable to bring the once proud program back to respectability.

Unlike Strong, who inherited an empty cupboard when he took over from Mack Brown, Herman assumes a program that is laced with blue chip talent. The expectation is that Herman, former University of Houston coach, needs to hit the ground running.

“Since the first team meeting that we had, which was a difficult one and pretty direct one, our guys have bought in,” Herman said. “I’ve said before that the buy-in level has been extremely high from the number of players that I think really, truly believe in what we’re preaching, that believe in our way of doing things.

“Now the day-to-day, hour-to-hour, minute–to-minute execution of that belief and of that buy-in is still something that we’re learning how to do, especially when things get very difficult and you’re faced with adverse situations. The belief is there and that’s the first step,” Herman said.

“These guys are willing to do whatever we ask them to, coming off the three-year stretch that this program has had.

They don’t want that to be their legacy. They want to be remembered as the team and group that turned this thing around.

I think we’re well on our way.”

How quickly Herman and company will have success will be up to the continued development of sophomore quarterback Shane Buechele. He had one of the best freshman seasons in school history by a quarterback, and arguably the best by a true freshman ever. He passed for a UT freshmanrecord 2,958 yards and finished second, behind only Colt McCoy (2006), with 21 touchdown passes. The Horns have not had a decent QB since McCoy. The Longhorn backfield lost a 2,000-yard rusher in D’Onta Foreman, but the backfield will still be loaded with talent. Expect Chris Warren (junior), Kyle Porter (sophomore), Toneil Carter (freshman) and Daniel Young (freshman) to lead a talented unit of ball carriers. Porter

New coach Tom Herman

(left) Sophomore RB Kyle Porter

played high school football at Katy, and was an All-American, all-state and threetime all-district honoree.

Experience will be a key word to describe the Texas receiver corps. Jerrod Heard (junior), Collin Johnson (sophomore) and Devin Duvernay (sophomore) all return from 2016 and have as much talent as anyone in the nation. The tight end position is inexperienced. Expect Syracuse transfer Kendall Moore to ultimately be the guy at that position.

Buechele and his weapons should have time and space to perform with an offensive line that features four returning starters, including AllAmerican Connor Williams.

Defensively, first-year defensive

QB Shane Buechele returns

Linebacker Malik Jefferson

coordinator Todd Orlando, who loves to blitz and play aggressively, has a lot of talent.

The defensive line could be the strength of the entire Longhorn team. Poona Ford (senior), Chris Nelson (junior), Charles Omenihu (junior), Malcom Roach (sophomore) and D’Andre Christmas (sophomore) in rotation have the ability to be dominant.

The linebacker group is loaded with playmakers. Malik Jefferson (junior) is a Butkus Award candidate. Breckyn Hager (junior), Anthony Wheeler (junior), Erick Fowler (sophomore) Jeffrey McCulloch (sophomore) and Naashon Hughes (senior) should all excel under the Orlando scheme.

The secondary is talented, but somewhat inexperienced and has not always played up to its athletic potential. That can be disastrous in the pass-happy Big 12. DeShon Elliott (junior) and Brandon Jones (sophomore) are impressive at both safety positions.

John Bonney (junior) is being groomed to play safety and corner to take advantage of his experience and ability. At the corners expect Kris Boyd (junior), Davante Davis (junior), Holton Hill (junior), Eric Cuffee (RS freshman) and Chris Brown (RS freshman) to all compete for playing time.

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JULY 27 | 2017 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

11

classified Invitation for Bids

2017 high school football almost here

Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. is soliciting bids for subcontractors and vendors for construction of control no. 0912-71-386 on MH from Airport Blvd to FM 521 that bids on August 8, 2017 and control no.

0675-07-101 on IH 45 from N of Vick Springs Rd to N of SH 19 bids on August 9, 2017. Mail, fax, or email quotations to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 1010, Austin, Texas 78744 fax: (512) 707-0798 email: bbiisw@bbiius.com. DBE/HUB contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Plans and specifications are available to be reviewed at TxDOT Plans On-line: http://bit.do/dBJ5G E.O.E. For information contact Brian Ficzeri at (512) 707-0797.

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

A

ll roads lead to AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Preparations for the 2017 high school football season are already underway. At the end of August competition in six classifications throughout Texas will commence, with champions crowned in the home of the Dallas Cowboys in late December.

Gilbert Ibenene The 2017 edition of Texas Football Magazine has Clear Creek (5), Clear Lake (6), Alvin (7) three Houston area high schools in the Top 10 and Clear Falls (8) round out the bottom half of of the Class 6A state poll. Katy (2), The Woodthe 24-6A standings. lands (8) and North Shore (10) are all coming Montel Parker of Dickinson is the off long playoff runs in 2016. magazine’s pick for offensive player of the year Converse Judson is the magazine’s No. 1 while Braelon Hill of Clear Brook gets the nod Class 6A school. Other Top 10 schools in the for defensive player of the year honors.

6A state poll from around Texas include Allen In District 22-6A, Deer Park is picked to (3), Cibolo Steele (4), DeSoto (5), Lake Travis win the league crown outright with La Porte, (6), Austin Westlake (7) and Cedar Hill (9).

Dobie and Pasadena Memorial also qualifying Despite losing longtime head coach Tony for the postseason.

Heath to retirement recently, Pearland is picked Going into the 2017 high school football to win the District 23-6A championship. Heath season Tom Nolen of Houston Lamar High departed following a 20-year run as the Oilers’ head coach, which included a state title in Find out what area of high school 2010. athletic facilities need refurbishing Former Pearland assistant coach and defensive coordinator James Farmer will take over as the Oilers’ head coach. Fourteen starters School ranks No. 3 in the state among active return for Pearland, including eight on offense. head coaches in career wins. Nolen has 355 Pearland defensive end Gilbert Ibenene is the victories and trails only Phil Danaher (432) magazine’s choice for defensive player of the of Corpus Christi Calallen and Randy Allen year in 23-6A. (361) of Highland Park.

Other projected playoff teams from 23-6A Other Houston area head coaches with include George Ranch (2), Pearland Dawson more than 200 career wins include Ross (3) and Alief Taylor (4). Alief Hastings, BrazoRogers of Bryan (241), Jimmy Thompson of swood and Alief Elsik are slated to finish in the Crockett (223), Glen West of Brenham (219) bottom portion of the district standings. and David Hussman of Weimer (212).

Pearland is 17th and George Ranch is Among the most successful coaches 39th in the statewide rankings among the 40 in terms of winning percentage are Katy’s schools in the 6A state poll.

Gary Joseph (178-17) at 91 percent, Tom Dickinson is picked to win the league title Westerberg of Barbers Hill (156-20) at nearly in District 24-6A. Clear Springs, Clear Brook 89 percent, Stephen Hill of St. Pius (70-16) and Friendswood are expected to be playoff at 81 percent, Jeff Riordan of Crosby (51teams and finish second, third and fourth in 12) at 81 percent and Cornel Thompson of the district standings. Those same four schools West Orange-Stark (80-19) at just under 81 were postseason qualifiers last year. percent.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY/ LEARNING CENTER Turner Construction Company is the Construction Manager for the Texas Southern University Library/ Learning Center in Houston, Texas. You are invited to submit your Lump Sum Proposal (LSP) for all labor, material, equipment, taxes, and other necessary items to complete the work in your trade for this project.

The LSP’s are to be in strict accordance with the Project Documents prepared by Moody Nolan (Project Architect) and Turner Construction’s RFP Project Manual.

The project is a new construction 137,000sf five story plus 6th floor mechanical penthouse library and learning center located on TSU’s campus at 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004. This Project will be constructed on an active university campus where the work will require careful coordination to successfully perform all work while the university remains operational at all times.

All Work must be performed and coordinated through Turner in strict accordance with Texas Southern University requirements, the Project Schedule, this RFP and the Contract Documents. In the event of a conflict, the most stringent requirement will prevail.

This proposal shall be in strict accordance with the Packages contained herein, this RFP and the Contract Documents. However, cost saving suggestions are acceptable and encouraged and are to be submitted as voluntary alternates to the base plans and specifications. Please refer to the Request For Proposal Manual for Instructions to Bidders, Insurance requirements, Proposal Forms, etc.

PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS Proposal documents may be downloaded from Building Connected. Contact Chris Compton at 713 -3588214 or ccompton@tcco.com for access to Turner’s Building Connected site. All Subcontractors will be required to complete the Turner Construction pre-qualification process prior to any issuance of a Subcontract. Please reference RFP for Pre-Qualification Instructions.

PRE-BID MEETING A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for 3:00PM Tuesday August 1, 2017 at Texas Southern University. Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs Building. Room 114 I Houston, TX 77004. PPE is not required to attend. Please RSVP to turner-tsu-prebidmtg.eventbrite.com.

BID RFI’s Bid RFI’s must be submitted on the RFI Form located in the RFI folder (in BuildingConnected) on or before 12:00pm Friday August 4th, 2017.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE Proposals are to be submitted to Turner Construction Company, 4263 Dacoma St. Houston, TX 77092, Attention: Chris Compton, or faxed to 713.840.8365 on or before 2:00 PM Thursday August 17, 2017. They may also be submitted by e-mail to houstonbids@tcco.com or ccompton@tcco.com with TSU Library Learning Center GMP – (Bid Package # and Description) in the subject line.

Turner Construction Company reserves the right to utilize the following evaluation criteria when reviewing the bids that are submitted: a.

Subcontractor’s experience

b.

Manpower & equipment availability for Project

c.

Financial capability/performance history/litigation history

d.

Proposal amount

e.

Ability to meet the construction schedule

f.

Project approach

g.

Safety record/ EMR

h.

Historically Underutilized Business Subcontracting Plan, refer to Section 16 in RFP

i.

Completion of bid form

The bid will be awarded to the subcontractor which is determined to be qualified under the evaluation criteria mentioned above and based upon the Scoring Criteria & Subcontractor Selection Sheet in Turner Construction’s RFP Project Manual. Turner Construction Company may have discussions with qualified subcontractors to clarify the bid that has been submitted and to assure full understanding of and responsiveness to the bid solicitation. Turner Construction Company may negotiate with subcontractors that have been determined to be qualified in order to obtain a final and best offer. However, negotiations shall not alter the original scope of work as defined in the contractor’s original bid documents as provided by Turner Construction Company. Turner Construction Company will select the subcontractor which is determined to be the most advantageous to the successful completion of the Project based upon the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 1 Instruction to Bidders and need not necessarily accept the lowest priced subcontractor.

The subcontractor whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the successful, timely and efficient completion of the Project, taking into account the evaluation factors, shall be selected. Upon selection of a subcontractor, the subcontractor will be required to sign Turner Construction’s standard subcontract agreement.

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12

DEFENDER | JULY 27 | 2017

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

topevents

NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH…….. stations, games, fitness obstacle courses, a shuttle run, golf skills drills, tugs-of-war, Houston Community College VAST Academy in association with Mental Health target and soccer challenges and much more. Attendees included Tina Ortiz, Nikia America of Greater Houston and several other entities presented National Minority Lewis, Theodesia Drummer, Artencia Cloud, Trevor Merritt, Mark Whitaker, Mental Health Awareness Month. The event was aimed at raising awareness Kalea Pete, Teayrra Phipps, Micah Ohara, Ashley Estrada, Stephanie among minorities regarding issues surrounding access and treatment. Along with Johnson, Andrea Morantes and more……... ASSOCIATION OF BLACK speakers and short films on mental health, several institutions and individuals PSYCHOLOGISTS 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION……..The Association received awards, including Univision 45 Houston, KHOU 11, Judge Mike Fields, of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) held their 49th Annual Convention, “Our Roots, Dr. Regina Hicks and others. Attendees included emcees Our Future,” at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. ABPsi was founded in Deborah Chambers, Claire Shynett and Traci Patterson, to address issues facing the Black community and Black Defender TOP EVENTS 1968 speakers Nicole Kwan and Bobbye Wagner, and others, psychologists. The convention provided continuing education More photos on defendernetwork.com opportunities, professional development, keynote speakers, over including Dr. Carla Guice, Karen Haller, T’Liza Kiel, 80 sessions and workshops, along with activities specifically for Shenia Page and Eddie Jessie…….. HPARD’S LET’S college students, elders and others open to all. Attendees included ABPsi President PLAY CARNIVAL……..The Houston Parks and Recreation Department held Mwata Kevin Washington, Dr. Carol Cummings, NASA senior executive its Let’s Play Carnival at Sunnyside Park treating over 3,000 Summer Enrichment Vanessa Wyche, Dr. Valerie Lawrence, Deloyd Parker, Karen Hickman, Program youth participants to all manner of activities. The event emphasized fun, Dr. Nannette Williams, Dr. Dennis Alexander, Roger Thomas III, Clifford nature and fitness, and participating children from nearly 60 community centers from across the Greater Houston Area were challenged to take part in sports Robinson II, Felicia Jackson and more.

Claire Shynett, Deborah Chambers, Traci Patterson

Jevon Pickron, Jylon Robinson, James Williams, Kameron August

Dr. Carol Cummings, Dr. Althea Stephens

T’Liza Kiel, Marylyn Harris, Manny Satarain

Theodesia Drummer, Nikia Lewis, Tina Ortiz

Deloyd Parker, Dr. Mwata Kevin Washington

Rev. Preston Allen, Rev. Dr. Barbara Williams, James N.E. Williams

Vanessa Barajas, Hector Garcia, Andrea Morantes

Sharde Pettis, Rhonda Lloyd

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