Houston Defender: July 31, 2014

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Volume 83 | Number 39

JULY 31, 2014 |FREE

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NEWSTALK REP. SHEILA JACKSON seeks end to violence

P2 OPINION JULIANNE MALVEAUX explores “injustice” system

P4 FEATURE

GOOD-PAYING JOBS

KOFI TAHARKA honored for activism

LITTLE OR NO COLLEGE

P8

H PAGE 6

LeToya Luckett

receives honor Former Destiny’s Child member LeToya Luckett will be honored at the Ensemble Theatre’s Aug. 16 gala. Get an update on her entertainment career. Find out about other celebrities receiving awards.

Discover what well-known local family will be recognized.

H PAGE 5

Duane Brown

TOP EVENTS

gets physical

Texan offensive tackle Duane Brown recently joined his other teammates at training camp. See what Brown has to say about a new season and fresh start.

Read about the camp’s competitiveness and intensity. Hear coach Bill O’Brien’s training philosophy.

H PAGE 10

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Pastor Rudy Rasmus greets Johnte Archer and Ike Arisukwu at book signing

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DEFENDER | JULY 31 | 2014

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newstalk

Lenient marijuana law proposed

By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender

U

nder a proposed law, the thousands of Houstonians arrested every year for small amounts of marijuana will get cited, not taken to jail. They will have to appear in court, but will have the chance to serve two days cleaning up local bayous to avoid a permanent arrest record.

The proposal was recently made by Kim Ogg, the Democratic nominee for Harris County district attorney.

“This is smart justice,” Ogg said. “We will save millions of taxpayer dollars, and free police to stay on the streets to catch more serious criminals and help investigate the staggering number of burglaries victimizing our town.”

Since 2007, approxiKim Ogg calls for a marijuana reform law. mately 100,000 people have been arrested for misdemeanor Harris County if elected. possession of marijuana, a Class A of“We must prioritize the prosecution fense for under 4 ounces and Class B of dangerous criminals instead of pursuoffense for under 2 ounces. In 2013, ing small-time nonviolent criminals,” more than12,000 misdemeanor marijuaOgg said. na cases were filed by the county D.A.’s She is calling her proposal the office and 99 percent of the people G.R.A.C.E. program, which stands for charged in those cases now have permaGovernment Resource Allocation/Criminent criminal records. nal Exemption.

Many Texas counties are already “This is the future of marijuana citing misdemeanor offenders without prosecution in Harris County,” Ogg processing them through jail, and Ogg said. “No jail, no bail, no permanent said she would implement the law in record, if you earn it.”

End to domestic violence sought Houston community members addressed the issue of family violence after a mother of three was the victim of a recent murder-suicide.

Candace Williams was killed by her husband, Deckard, as she slept beside their 1-year-old daughter.

Deckard then committed suicide.

Candace was also the mother of a 7-year-old and 6-year old.

“We gather around yet another life that is struck by violence from within,” said Bishop James Dixon of the Community of Faith Church.

“None of us can imagine their state of need.”

Leaders are also reminding the community of the importance of getting help if they are a victim of domestic violence before it ends fatally.

Rosslyn Gibson, one of Williams’ relatives, said they learned that Candace asked Deckard to move out of their home a few days before the murder-suicide.

“We have a raging epidemic of gun violence and domestic violence,” said Congresswoman Sheila

“We have a raging epidemic of gun violence and domestic violence.”

Jackson Lee. “We must put an end to violence against women and do everything we can to be sure that women are safe and healthy in their homes and schools by improving our response to domestic violence.”

In this case, Williams’ 7-yearold daughter woke up to gunshots.

She then woke up her 6-year-old brother and ran to a neighbor’s home for help.

“They said they know their mother’s in heaven now,” Gibson said.

Family members say anyone who wants to make a donation to Williams’ children can contribute to the Candace Williams Memorial Account at any Wells Fargo location.

San Antonio appoints mayor Former San Antonio City Council representative Ivy R. Taylor is the city’s new mayor. Taylor was appointed by the council to fulfill Julian Castro’s unexpired term. Taylor began her career working in the city’s Housing and Community Development Department. She is currently a lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Mayor Ivy Taylor

localbriefs A HOUSTON MINISTER continues to promote awareness of the AIDS epidemic. Dr. Timothy W. Sloan, pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Humble, has been vocal on the issue. “The Black Church must lead the effort in addressing this epidemic affecting the African-American community at a disproportionate rate,” Sloan said. “This is not just a programming issue; it’s a matter of courage and prophetic confrontation.” In an effort to make a global difference, six missionaries from Sloan’s church are spending two weeks in Cape Town, South Africa to provide relief and support for one of the largest regions affected

by the HIV/AIDS epidemic……..STUDENTS AT 166 SCHOOLS in HISD will be able to eat lunch for no charge this year, regardless of their income, thanks to a new federal initiative that recently became available to all states and eligible schools. HISD has already offered free breakfast to all students since 2010. The push to expand the free lunch program, known as the Community Eligibility Provision, is the latest step to ensure that low-income students do not go hungry. About 170,000 or 81 percent of HISD students qualified for a free or a reduced-price lunch last year……...HOUSTON’S SMOKING BAN has expanded. The

Parks and Recreation Department and Houston Public Library have announced plans to ban smoking and tobacco products at all of their properties. The new policy will apply to both interior and exterior spaces. More than 900 municipal parks system are currently smokefree. However, HPL is believed to be among the first large library systems in the country to implement such a policy. “We want the residents of our city to think of each library location as a safe, healthy, family-friendly and welcoming environment,” said HPL Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson. “These no-smoking zones will help us meet this goal.”

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JULY 31 | 2014 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs BLACK MEN ARE NO BETTER OFF than they were more than 40 years ago due to mass incarceration and job losses, according to a new report by University of Chicago researchers Derek Neal and Armin Rick. “The growth of incarceration rates among Black men in recent decades combined with the sharp drop in Black employment rates during the Great Recession have left most Black men in a position relative to white men that is really no better than the position they occupied only a few years after the Civil Rights Act of 1965,” the co-authors wrote. Black men over 20 still face a double-digit unemployment rate – 10.9 percent – the highest rate among all adult worker groups……..PRESIDENT OBAMA announced a number of new commitments to his My Brother’s Keeper initiative, a program designed to address opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color that now includes 60 of the largest school districts in the country and millions in funding for mentoring programs.

According to the White House, leaders of the school districts, together serving almost three million students of color, have committed to implement an 11-point plan to bridge opportunity gaps stretching from early childhood to high school graduation. Among the goals of the plan are creating high-quality preschool, reducing the number of students held back, and reducing suspensions and expulsions……...

THE NAACP announced a partnership with Dunkin’ Brands Group, the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, to create a diversity franchising initiative to increase the number of Black- owned franchise businesses in the United States. The partnership was announced at the NAACP’s 105th annual convention in Las Vegas. “Franchising can be a powerful economic tool that further enables the African-American community and others to realize the American dream of business ownership,” said Cornell William Brooks, NAACP president and CEO.

VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 39 JULY 31, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Sports Editors Advertising/Client Relations Max Edison Selma Dodson Tyler Darrell K. Ardison Multimedia Coordinator Local Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Cierra Duncan Online Editor Interns ReShonda Billingsley Jazzi Black Art Director Michael Roman Tony Fernandez-Davila Velyjha Southern 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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Medicare, Social Security okay until 2030, 2033 Things are looking up for Medicare. In their annual report, government trustees recently projected that the fund that covers hospital bills will remain solvent until 2030, four years beyond what was projected in last year’s report.

Social Security’s financial stability remains about the same. Trustees predicted that the program will have enough money to pay all the retirement and disability benefits it owes until 2033.

Trustees warned, however, that the part of Social Security that pays monthly benefits to people with disabilities is fragile and without changes, will start to run short of money for benefit checks in 2016.

Depletion of the Medicare and Social Security funds does not mean that all benefits would stop. At the current rate, Medicare would be able to pay about 85 percent of costs in 2030, declining to 75 percent by 2050.

In 2033, Social Security would have money to cover about three-quarters of the pensions that it pays.

The Affordable Care Act has made a difference in Medicare’s improved outlook.

“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we are

taking important steps to improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, while improving Medicare’s long-term solvency,” said Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“Specifically, we have made major progress in improving patient safety, decreasing hospital readmissions, and establishing new payment models such as accountable care organizations aimed at reducing costs and improving quality. These reforms slow the rise in health care spending while improving the quality of care for beneficiaries.”

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.

Minorities account for 14 percent of the nation’s elderly and about 16 per cent of the total Medicare population. More than half of the minority Medicare population is Black.

Among Blacks receiving Social Security, 31 percent of elderly married couples and 53 percent of unmarried elderly persons rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income.

Upcoming changes to loans may help Blacks NNPA News Service

This fall, the Department of Education plans to announce changes to federal PLUS loans that officials say will make it easier for parents to qualify for the financial aid program that thousands of Black college students rely on every semester.

In an effort to combat rising parent loan defaults in 2011, the department enforced stricter borrowing guidelines, a move that disproportionately affected Black parents, especially ones that lost homes and jobs and were burdened by high levels of debt incurred during the Great Recession.

“Since the change, we’ve been working directly with the schools to try and re-enroll as many students as possible,” said Jim Shelton, deputy secretary of education.

“Additionally, we just finished the rulemaking process that allows us to adjust the flexibility around the PLUS loan program and that will come out more formally in the fall.”

The policy revisions will make credit requirements for the PLUS program more flexible.

Shelton said updated eligibility standards the department will put into effect will allow 300,000 students who may have been denied under the old rules to qualify for PLUS loans without having to go through the reconsideration process.

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DEFENDER | JULY 31 | 2014

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opinion

The high cost of injustice

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist

W

hat if we didn’t incarcerate people who commit non-violent crimes? Or, if we sentenced them, what if their sentences were reasonable, instead of intolerable?

How much would we save if legally mandated minimum sentences were modified and nonviolent drug offenses were more reasonably imposed?

Marc Mauer of the Sentencing Project says that eliminating more than 79,000 bed years, or the amount of time a prisoner uses a bed in prison, could save at least $2.4 billion. That’s enough to send nearly a million students to college if the $25,000 covers the cost of attendance.

The savings could put nearly half a million teachers in underserved K-12 schools. It could restore availability to libraries and parks. Instead, we spend it incarcerating people, particularly those who are locked up for relatively minor crimes.

The $2.4 billion that the Sentencing Project has calculated may be a low estimate. According to the Justice Department more than $80 billion is spent on incarceration annually.

How much of this spending is unnecessary and could be easily converted to drug treatment and recovery? Why do we find it so easy to incarcerate people but so difficult to rehabilitate them, knowing that the recidivism rates are high?

Within five years of incarceration, more than threequarters are ex-offenders rearrested. Most were arrested for property crimes, not for drug offenses, or violent offenses.

Much of the property crime could be alleviated if it was easier for ex-offenders to find employment, but after incarceration, many find the doors of employment slammed in their faces.

President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder are moving in the right direction. First, the president moved to reform drug sentencing laws, reducing the discrepancy between crack and powdered cocaine. This resulted in the Smarter Sentencing Act, which has yet to be scheduled for a vote in Congress and the Senate, despite bipartisan support for this legislation.

Advocates of the bill, including the ACLU, the Sentencing Project, the NAACP and many others support the legislation and have encouraged people to reach out to their Congressional representatives to push for a vote on this legislation.

The Smarter Sentencing Act, when approved, will make modifications in sentencing requirements. Now, the U.S. Sentencing Commission has ruled that those with drug sentences be applied retroactively. This will affect as many as 46,000 prisoners.

It’s not enough, but it’s a reasonable first step.

If release were combined with education and ac-

cess to employment, recidivism rates would certainly decrease.

The United States represents just 5 percent of the world population, but incarcerates more than a quarter of the world’s incarcerated.

Nearly half of those incarcerated in federal prisons are African-American. Is there a bias here?

Maybe the difference is the money that provides access to good legal services. Maybe it’s attraction of a plea bargain. Maybe it’s bias on the part of arresting officers.

Whatever the cause, it seems unfathomable that African-Americans and whites commit the same crimes, but African- Americans are arrested six times as frequently as whites.

More than 3,200 people have life sentences without parole for such minor offences such as shoplifting, trying to cash a stolen check, and threatening a police officer while handcuffed.

Some are sentenced because of sentencing guide-

lines, which mean judges have no choice in their sentencing. What makes sense about giving a shoplifter more time than a murderer?

There has been some progress in making sentencing fairer. Yet much more must be done until we can claim the “justice” that our Constitution promises.

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JULY 31 | 2014 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Ensemble hosts annual celebrity gala

T

he Ensemble Theatre celebrates its 37th season with a gala themed Anchor of Inspiration on Saturday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 1200 Louisiana. Awards will be presented to three artists, one couple, one family and two companies.

Hal Williams will be honored with the Ensemble’s Legacy Award. He is best known for his role in the comedy series “227” which aired from 1985 to 1990.

Williams has played regular, recurring and guest roles in dozens of TV shows, and is an experienced stage and film actor.

Robert Townsend will receive the Director of the Year Award. The actor, comedian, writer, director, producer and former CEO of the Black Family Channel launched his career with the film “Hollywood Shuffle.” He champions underrepresented youth through his own foundation.

LeToya Luckett will receive the Rising Star Award. The Houston native and Grammy Award-winning artist has a long association with the Ensemble. She is a former member of Destiny’s Child and is currently working on another album. She appeared in the HBO series “Treme” and the film “From the Rough.”

Jerelyn & Rev. DeFarris Gooden are recipients of the Founder’s Award.

The couple began their support of the Ensemble during its early years. Jerelyn Gooden worked on many of the theater’s special events and galas. Rev. Gooden

became a board member supporting fundraising and community outreach initiatives.

The Audrey & Rev. William “Bill” Lawson Family will receive the President’s Award. Audrey Lawson is the theater’s president emeritus, recognized for spearheading its capital campaign. Rev. Bill Lawson volunteered his artistic talents, painting the attention-grabbing marquees and influencing community support. Their four children Melanie, Cheryl, Eric and Roxanne have followed in their parents’ footsteps with their service to the theater.

BP America will be recognized with the Community Partner of the Year Award. The company is a long-time strategic partner of the Ensemble’s youth programs.

BP executive Iris Cross is a theater board member and other BP employees volunteer their time to special projects and events.

McConnell, Jones, Lanier & Murphy LLP will receive the Community investor Award. Their support for the theater has remained strong since forming the business 15 years ago. MJLM partner Sharon Murphy is an active board member who co-chaired the theater’s past two galas.

For ticket information call 713- 5200055 or visit www.ensemblehouston.com.

Hal Williams

Robert Townsend LeToya Luckett

Rev. William and Audrey Lawson

what’sup Casting continues for “Straight Outta Compton,” the upcoming film chronicling the rise of hip-hop group N.W.A. ICE CUBE is portrayed by his son O’SHEA JACKSON JR., DR. DRE is portrayed by COREY HAWKINS and EAZY-E is portrayed

by JASON MITCHELL. The newest additions to the cast are ALDIS HODGE, who will play MC REN, and NEIL BROWN JR., who will play DJ YELLA. The film is set in the 1980s, when five young men translate their experiences growing up on the streets of Compton, Calif. into brutally honest music.

Cube and Dre are two of the film’s producers……..“Hercules,” the new movie starring DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON, came in second at the box office, earning $29 million.

Johnson portrays the mythical Greek hero and son of Zeus who prepares to save the world from the descendants of Hades.

The No. 1 box office film was “Lucy,” starring SCARLETT JOHANSSON and MORGAN FREEMAN. It earned $44 million over the weekend……..Former heavyweight champ MIKE TYSON already has an actor in mind to play him in a movie – Academy Award-winner JAMIE FOXX. Tyson said he and Foxx talked it over, “and he’s willing to take that role and portray me as Mike Tyson, doing my life story.” Tyson thinks Foxx would do a “magnificent job” portraying him. “He doesn’t have the physicality but he will. He’s able to get bulky, so he’s capable of doing it in the future,” Tyson said. Foxx is naturally athletic. Growing up in Terrell, Texas, he played basketball and football. As quarterback, he was the first player to pass for more than 1,000 yards in the history of Terrell High School……..

BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel,” the longest running original

series on cable TV, recently began taping its 34th season. The show, hosted by Grammy Award-winner DR. BOBBY JONES, will feature such stars as YOLANDA ADAMS, PASTOR SHIRLEY CAESAR, THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, TYE TRIBBETT, LEANDRIA JOHNSON, TAMELA MANN, THE WINANS, DORINDA CLARK COLE and DONALD LAWRENCE……..Nick Cannon’s NCredible Entertainment has partnered with the Syfy network to develop a sci-fi/fantasy improv series. It will be taped in front of a live audience and feature two teams battling for the biggest laughs. The “home team” will consist of four to six nationally known comedians.

Each week they will compete against a different improv squad in various sketches. A nationwide casting call will occur later this summer to determine the “away” teams.

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DEFENDER | JULY 31 | 2014

coverpage

More money, new skills

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

D

ends meet.

“Of the top 80 U.S. metro areas, Houston ranks 44th in household median income for African-Americans,” Robinson said. “This means AfricanAmericans households earn on average $40,129 compared to $75,201 for our white counterparts.

“With Houston unemployment in the African-American community hovering around 15 percent, it would make sense to learn an employable skill set, get the certification, and start working, unless college is your immediate goal.”

o you need a betterpaying job but only have a high school diploma?

The city is working on a program that could land you that new position.

The Greater Houston Partnership recently unveiled UpSkill Houston, which focuses on middle-skills occupations that require more than a high school diploma but less than a fouryear degree.

Bob Harvey Included are dozens of high-demand occupations, such as carpenters, medical assistants, auto mechanics and chemical plant operators.

Who the players are According to the U.S. Bureau A key characteristic of of Labor Statistics data, the Houston UpSkill is connecting leaders region is expected to have 296,000 from various entities to address openings in middle-skills occupations workforce challenges. between 2014 and 2017. There are not The task force is comprised enough workers, however, to fill availof 79 representatives of school able jobs. districts, colleges and universiBob Harvey, president and CEO of ties, corporations, social service the Partnership, said Houston faces a agencies, financial institutions, paradox. “[There are] a large number health systems and chambers of of critical, unfilled jobs on one hand commerce. and too many underemployed and Gina Luna As part of its $5 million unemployed workers on the other commitment to workforce who do not currently have the skills training in Houston, JPMorto compete for these jobs,” he said. gan Chase is contributing a “This skills gap has a negative $250,000 grant to help support impact on people who are unable to UpSkill. The company also compete for good-paying careers that announced a $500,000 grant to will support themselves and their Lone Star College to expand families.” training opportunities for adults Gina Luna, vice chairman of who currently have low-skill, the Partnership and chairman of low paying-jobs.

JPMorgan Chase in Houston, also Houston Community Colemphasized the need for more skilled lege, which is represented on workers. the task force, said it welcomes “Employers tell us every day the opportunity to work with they need more workers with better local leaders to help meet emand more diverse skills,” said Luna, ployment and education needs.

Judson Robinson III who is also co-chair of a task force “HCC has been creating dynamic platforms that developed UpSkill’s action plan. for workforce development for more than 40 “Through UpSkill Houston, we can ensure years,” said HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldothe supply of skilled workers required to susnado. tain our booming business environment. It will “Through this collaborative partnership, also provide great careers for our citizens and HCC will do its part to increase certification and continued economic prosperity for the Houston degree completion rates and accelerate education region.” development as much as possible.”

Judson Robinson III, president and CEO of UpSkill also includes councils focusing on the Houston Area Urban League and a task force seven sectors – advanced manufacturing, conmember, said such careers would be a welcome struction, healthcare, oil and gas, petrochemical, change for local wage earners “working two and ports and maritime, and utilities. three minimum-wage jobs” and barely making Harvey said UpSkill has a five-year time ho-

GOOD-PAY

LITTLE OR N

rizon, and envisions the program extending well beyond that timeline. The industry sector councils are meeting in the next few months, culminating in a workforce summit later this fall to mobilize participants into enacting the plan.

“We will be reaching out to additional leaders from across the community to ensure that all willing Houstonians have the opportunity to explore pathways to meaningful careers,” Harvey said. “…The involvement of leaders from across the region is vitally important to our collective success. Prospective employees should begin to see new, easier-to-navigate pathways to employment later this year or in early 2015.”

About jobs

Many middle-skills positions can be lucrative (see chart), which Harvey said is one way of attracting job-seekers.

“First and foremost, we need to get the message out that these jobs pay very well – certified welders can start with salaries of $75,000 or more,” he said. “We think this will be an important catalyst for raising awareness.

“But more broadly speaking, while we do think that a college education is important for many of our young people, we need to make sure high school students are provided the opportunities to learn about these exciting careers that do not require a four-year degree.

“These alternatives to college can be presented to high school students through updated curricula but also training for school counselors that will allow them to equip young

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

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? n o t s u o H l il k S p U is What d by the

program spearheade ge of Upskill Houston is a to address the shorta p hi rs ne rt Pa on st ou Greater H rgeting ouston region by ta H e th in rs ke or w skilled these areas: to Workers nnecting applicants co by ty ili ab oy pl sic em Improve s on training and ba cu fo at th es iti un rt educational oppo anagement, financial m e tim g, in ad re d skills in math an ills. literacy and other sk ts Employers re that training effor su en to em st sy ta Create a robust da e skills to match job th ith w ts an ic pl ap ational are producing ts of employers, educ or eff g tin na di or co facilitate openings by ice organizations to rv se al ci so d an ns institutio information sharing.

YING JOBS

NO COLLEGE

people with the information to help them make wise decisions for their futures.”

Robinson agrees. “The truth is, not everyone wants to go to college and a decent living can still be had,” he said. “Let’s get the info out to our youth and families early. Young people and their parents are savvy enough to equate wages to lifestyle.

“When you can make $50,000 to $100,000 a year by learning a needed trade, families understand this. After all, this is what Black families did in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Many of the jobs that went away are now back so it’s time to take advantage of today’s job reality,” Robinson said.

Harvey stressed that the UpSkill effort is just beginning. For Houstonians with immediate needs, the Partnership recommends that they contact Workforce Solutions at www.wrksolutions.com or call 1-888-469-5627.

The agency operates multiple community-based career offices in 13 Texas Gulf Coast counties to help residents with employment, and offers placement, career counseling and financial aid services.

Job-seekers can also connect with the United Way THRIVE initiative by calling the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way Helpline. THRIVE is designed to help families develop responsible financial habits and earn sufficient income.

For more information on UpSkill visit www.houston. org/UpSkillHouston.

he Houston area for over 80 years

20

high-demand jobs based on annual openings Occupation

Heavy & tractor-trailer truck drivers Registered nurses First-line supervisors, construction, trades, extraction workers Operations managers Nursing aides, orderlies, attendants Maintenance & repair workers Welders, cutters, solderers, brazers Carpenters Industrial machinery mechanics Licensed practical & vocational nurses Electricians Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, weighers Team assemblers Machinists Operating engineers & other construction equipment operators Computer support specialists Automotive service technicians, mechanics Plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters Medical assistants Mobile heavy equipment mechanics Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median hourly earnings (rounded off)

$16 $34 $24 $46 $11 $16 $18 $14 $23 $21 $20 $18 $12 $19 $17 $25 $15 $22 $14 $17

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DEFENDER | JULY 31 | 2014

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Kofi Taharka honored

K

ofi Taharka, leader of the National Black United Front, has been honored by the City of Houston for his diligent efforts to save the Southmore Station Post Office located at 4110 Almeda.

The post office was one of six Houston stations considered for relocation, repurposing or closing. After six months of protests, petitions and appeals to congressmen, city officials and the United States Postal Service postmasters, the community’s efforts to save the station were successful.

“Kofi Taharka utilized his own resources to personally deliver the petitions to Washington DC to the United States Postal Service headquarters,” said District D Councilman Dwight Boykins.

“The collected efforts of Kofi, NBUF and other community organizations garnered the written support of our two federal officials Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green. It also included support from myself and the District D Council Office.”

In addition to serving the community, the post office has historical significance, and is located on the site of Houston’s first sit-in protest.

“Anyone who does community organizing knows it is not about the individuals,” Taharka said. “It was a lot of community organizations, groups, civic clubs that came together for the elected officials to save the post office. They had two reasons – its functionality and need in the community and the historical significance.”

Taharka also voiced other issues concerning his surrounding community.

“As the city grows, many of our communities feel under attack,” he said. “That is why you received the response about the post office. It’s not just about the post office. It’s the schools closings, it’s Riverside Hospital, it’s the bricks in Freedmen’s Town.

“Some of our traditional communities feel under attack. Make sure you are directly or indirectly responsible for policies, laws and procedures that help preserve our communities.”

Kofi Taharka

Chamber seeks Pinnacle Award nominations The Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC) is reminding Houstonians that all entries for the African-American Business Achievement Pinnacle Awards are due by Friday, Aug. 8.

To qualify, interested for-profit businesses must be at least 51 percent African-American owned, in operation for a minimum of three years, headquartered in the greater Houston metropolitan area and members of GHBC. Ten firms will be nominated as finalists and the Pinnacle Award will be presented to the top four companies

based on the following criteria: • Fulfillment of mission statement and company objectives • Improvement and company growth • Proven effectiveness in meeting business challenges • Utilization of other African-American businesses • Community involvement and impact Entries for nominees of the Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Business Award are also due on Aug. 8. The Upstart Business Award recognizes a fast-growing African-American business on the path to entrepreneurial greatness. It pro-

vides the winning business with the capital and resources that can be difficult to obtain as a start-up venture.

To qualify, the interested for-profit business must be at least 51 percent African-American owned, in operation for no more than two years, and headquartered in the Houston metropolitan area.

The winners will be honored at a black-tie gala on October 11 at the Power Center.

For additional information and to access the nomination form, visit www.ghbcc.com.

Fort Bend ISD holds public hearings nex, Main Auditorium, 3119 Sweetwater Blvd. in Sugar Land.

The board will work with

the administration to review the proposal during the coming weeks, and any action to T:4.79” call an election will take place

LEGAL NOTICE

at the Aug. 18 board meeting.

For information visit www.fortbendisd. com/2014bond.

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For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-37-LOTTO. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education. © 2014 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

USA Pools of Texas

Is bidding on a project for the Houston Independent School District, and we are looking for possible M/WBE subcontractors for swimming pool services and chemicals over the next 5 business days. If you are interested in providing these services, please contact Katy Lynn McBrayer at 877-248-1872 or email katylynn@usapools.com

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

T:3.25”

Fort Bend ISD is inviting parents and community members to attend two upcoming public hearings on a 2014 proposed bond. Attendees will learn more about the bond and will have the opportunity to provide suggestions and feedback prior to any potential action by the district’s board of trustees.

The district recently asked the board to consider calling a November 2014 bond election to fund improvements to safety and security in schools, and to upgrade the district’s technology infrastructure. There would be no tax rate increase required to fund the new bonds.

The hearings will be held Monday, Aug. 4 and Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the FBISD Administrative An-

classified



Project 14-07-03 RFP – Asbestos Air Testing Services with a deadline of 10:00 AM August 13, 2014. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2NE32 at the above stated address on August 6, 2014 at 10 AM



Project 14-07-06 – Purchase of Electrical Parts and Supplies – with a deadline of 2 P.M. August 25, 2014. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 3C04 at the above stated address on August 5, 2014 at 10:30 A.M.

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.

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JULY 31 | 2014 | DEFENDER

CONGRATS MS. CHAG

25

years

of serving the Houston community Before Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram there was

Chag’s Place...

Capturing and documenting the celebrations and events of Houston’s Black community with photos for 25 years.

It’s official...Ms. Chag is retiring.

Join us in February 2015 as we celebrate and thank Yvette Chargois for the great contributions of preserving our Black social history in Houston. (Stay tuned for details)

Congratulations!

9

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DEFENDER | JULY 31 | 2014

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sports

Texans get physical during training camp “Everything that anybody gets on this team, coach or player, will be earned,” O’Brien said. “That is he event Houston the process that we are in now.

Texan fans have That is the beauty of training been longing for is camp. You’ve got 90 guys plus here – the beginthe coaches and the rest of the ning of training organization coming together camp. to chip in and field a winning It takes the optimism that football team. It will be a comcomes with a new season to repetitive training camp.” move the stench of a 2-14 season At the core of a competitive in 2013, the worst in the NFL. environment is equity. O’Brien Gone is Gary Kubiak, who has wants everyone to have an equal been replaced by new head coach Bill amount of time to show their capabilities.

Duane Brown O’Brien. After one week of train“Right now what we’re trying to do is ing camp one thing is clear: O’Brien make sure that we get everybody enough reps to make believes that no positions are a given, and everything is sure that we not only teach them our schemes, but we earned. Camp has been intense, competitive and very give them a fair evaluation, a fair chance to make the physical. team,” he said.

O’Brien also believes training camp is a proving Pro Bowl offensive tackle Duane Brown views the ground for players and coaches alike, and everyone new season as a fresh opportunity to improve and leave must be prepared to compete at the highest level.

2013 in the rear view mirror.

“We’re not focusing on [last season] too much,” Brown said. It’s a new year, it’s a new start, and it’s a new team. We’re not forgetting about it but we’re not worried about it too much. We’re all about this year and how we can improve the team this year.”

Brown has embraced the more competitive style of

By MAX EDISON Defender

T

Coach Bill O’Brien is running an intense training camp.

training camp employed by his first-year head coach.

“It’s about accountability, holding everyone accountable,” Brown said. “[O’Brien] holds all of us to high expectations and we’re professionals so you have to come out here about your business and know your cues or he’s going to make you pay for it.”

Cornerback Johnathan Joseph endorsed the new training camp methodology.

“It’s strictly business,” Joseph said. “It’s all about putting the hard work in and eliminating the distractions outside of football. The moment [O’Brien] hits the practice field it’s all about football. He just wants to see you take what you learn in the classroom and take it out to the practice field and progress.”

Joseph, a seasoned veteran, fully expected a new coaching regime to bring a new way of doing things.

“You can’t really look at it much different because everyone’s going to want to run certain things a certain type of way,” Joseph said. “It’s up to you as a player to adjust and go with the flow and try to get better and make the situation better. Obviously this is a new coaching staff so they’re just trying to make us better...”

Stiff competition at all positions, hard work and accountability – these are training camp buzzwords.

Welcome to the new world of Bill O’Brien.

Brown, an offensive tackle, wants to put last season behind.

Joseph, a cornerback, said players must “go with the flow.”

Johnathan Joseph

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JULY 31 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Newhouse death saddens fans

The 139,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in 2015.

Delmar Fieldhouse under construction

By MICHAEL ROMAN Defender

H

ISD will have one of the most modern high school athletic facilities in Texas when the Delmar Fieldhouse opens in mid-2015.

The fieldhouse, located at 2020 Magnum Road in Houston, was demolished in January as part of plans to modernize and replace the 55-year-old athletic facility under the district’s 2012 A construction crew works on the multi-purpose Delmar Fieldhouse.

HISD Athletic Director Marmion Dambrino bond program. It is part of the said she is “thrilled” with the progress being made new Delmar-Tusa Athletic Complex. on the facility.

The three-story, 139,000-square-foot facility, “This fieldhouse is a much-needed athletic designed by PBK Sports, will include a basketfacility for our kids, and it’s going to be great for ball and volleyball arena, locker rooms, training us, especially the community, to watch them play rooms, and athletic storage to accommodate the in a new facility,” Dambrino said. district’s existing athletic stadium and ball fields.

Once the design of the new facility was apIts price tag is $44.7 million. proved in May, the project moved into the con“This new facility is designed to be very verstruction phase, which is being led by Divisionsatile,” said Kelly Holland, the complex project One Construction, the firm selected by HISD. manager at PBK Sports. “Athletes and coaches Underground plumbing, electrical, and site will enjoy the opportunity for bigger events proutilities work is scheduled to begin by August. vided by extra locker and training space.

The group has also met with the district’s infor“Fans will enjoy the way that they can circumation technology department and AT&T to coorlate the building in multiple directions from the dinate relocating the facility’s technology conduit. entrance all the way around and even back up to “The progress of the project is going well, and the balconies that overlook the adjacent football the team is excited about seeing more construction and baseball fields.” activity as we quickly move into the next phases Holland added that the facility is designed for of construction,” said Travis Stanford, HISD more than sports activities. senior manager of construction for the Delmar “The design provides a wider concourse that project. creates space for district events, meetings, and “This is an exciting project for HISD, HISD’s programs,” he said. “The retractable lower level Athletic Department and our schools, who will seating allows space for graduation ceremonies, ultimately be utilizing this brand-new fieldhouse.” district meetings, and special events.”

University of Houston football fans are saddened by the death of Robert Newhouse. The former Cougar and Dallas Cowboys running back died July 22 at age 64. He suffered from heart disease and had been in declining health since suffering a stroke in 2010. Newhouse lettered at UH from 1969-1971. He served as team captain and set the Cougar singleseason rushing record with 1,757 yards in 1971. He still holds several other Cougar records. “We are very saddened to hear of the untimely passing of one of our own,” said UH head coach Tony Levine. Newhouse was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round in 1972 and played 12 seasons for the team.

He was used primarily as a blocking fullback in the I formation, creating space for Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett. Newhouse played in three Super Bowls for the Cowboys in the 1970s. He is survived by his wife Nancy, twin daughters Dawnyel and Shawntel, son Roddrick and son Reggie, who played receiver for the Arizona Cardinals from 2004-05.

SWAC favorites announced The Southwestern Athletic Conference held its media day. Alabama State University is the preseason favorite to win the East Division and defending champion Southern University is the favorite to win the West. Prairie View A&M University is predicted to finish second in the West and Texas Southern University fourth. The Panthers placed five members on the preseason All-Conference team. Jerry Lovelace (QB), Courtney Brown (RB), Dillion Bonnet (OL) and Jerome Howard (LB) were named to the first team. Trey Glover (OL) was named to the second team. TSU placed Amir Bloom (DL), Brandon Thomas (DB) and Cory Carter (P) on the first team. Tray Walker (DB) was named to the second team.

Clippers sale clears hurdle A California judge recently issued a ruling in favor of Donald Sterling’s estranged wife, potentially clearing the way for a $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers. At issue was whether Shelly Sterling acted properly when she took over the family trust in which the Clippers were held, citing the opinion of doctors that her husband was mentally incapacitated, and agreed to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. The NBA issued Sterling a lifetime ban after recordings of racist comments emerged.

Olympic pioneer remembered Track and field legend Alice Coachman, the first African-American female to win a gold medal in the Olympics, died July 14 at age 90. Coachman won her gold medal in the high jump at the 1948 summer Olympics in London. A native of Albany, Ga., she attended Tuskegee University and was dominant in her event from 1939-1948. In addition to her high jump prowess she was a national champion in the 50 and 100-meter dash as well as the 400-meter relay. She won a total of 34 national titles, was inducted into nine halls of fame and became the first Black woman to endorse an international product when Coca-Cola signed her as a spokesperson in 1954.

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DEFENDER | JULY 31 | 2014

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Happening in Houston

Richard and Marsha Huebner, Genora Boykins and Renita Scroggins

Cha’Mira Keener

Ashley and Ryan Smalls

topevents

Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Johnte Archer and Ike Arisukwu

Juana Collins, Ronnie Winters and Mayor Parker

Juana Collins, Mayor Annise Parker and Jewell Bass

Damali Hill

Danita Q. Berry and Sandra Ugwu-Dike

Mary Benton, Isiah Carey, Vicky Pink

R

UDY RASMUS BOOK SIGNING……Rudy Rasmus, pastor of St. John’s serves as the walk’s honorary chair and was on hand for photos. Others in attendance Downtown United Methodist Church, showcased his newest book “Love. included Cha’Mira Kenner, Juana Collins, Jewell Bass and Ronnie Winters.

Period. When All Else Fails,” at Barnes & Noble bookstore in River Oaks.

Sign up today at www.uncf.org/houstonwalk to help raise funds to save our In his quest to invite others to join the “love revolution,” he attracted long lines of HBCUs and provide financial assistance to our children……HOUSTON ASsupporters and book buyers. Pastor Rasmus believes in SOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS……Before unconditional love and acceptance, and practices what heading to the national NABJ convention in Boston, the he preaches at St. John’s. The congregation has grown Houston Association of Black Journalists held an afterto more than 9,000 members, 3,000 of whom are, or noon mixer to meet the new members of the media and More photos on defendernetwork.com were, homeless at one time. Seen in the crowd were pay tribute to Mary Benton, former president of HABJ, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ his mother, his wife Pastor Juanita Rasmus, Melvin who recently retired from KPRC-TV as a reporter. After with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 a.m. and Barbara Barnes, Byronne Hearn, Stephanie 20 years of serving the Houston community well, Mary Carraway, Jennifer Taylor, Ivan Cavenall and Tre is now headed to work as a public information officer Whittaker. Congrats on another great book......UNCF……The 29th Annual UNCF for Harris County. Mary has sought truth and balance and will be truly missed Walk for Education kick-off geared up at the Federal Reserve with all eyes focused on the air. GOD bless you on your new adventure, Mary. In the audience were on the Saturday, Sept 13 launch date at Tom Bass Park at 8 a.m. The 2014 walk Phyllis Bailey, Ashley and Ryan Smalls, Damali Hill, Isiah Carey and Vicky chairs, Marcus and Melvinie Davis, joined ranks with Mayor Annise Parker, who Pink to name a few.

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