Houston Defender: August 16,2012

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Volume 81 | Number 42 WEEK OF AUGUST 16, 2012 | FREE

NEWSTALK

Environmental racism:

FELIX COOK passes at age 85

P3 NATIONAL OPINIONBRIEFS

MICHELLE OBAMA talks politics in L.A.

Problems & Solutions

P4 WHAT’S UP

 PAGE 6

LAILA ALI appears on controversial show

Carmen Ejogo stars in ‘Sparkle’

Phillip Steward plays for Cougars

Actress Carmen Ejogo is one of the stars of the highly-anticipated film “Sparkle,” and shares her thoughts on the remake and the original. Where have movie and television audiences seen her before? Who is her equally talented husband? And what does she have to say about her late costar Whitney Houston?  PAGE 5

The University of Houston Cougars are looking forward to football, and linebacker Phillip Steward is excited as well. Find out what Steward – a defensive standout last year – has to say about this year’s team. Learn what’s new with the Cougars’ coaching staff. Discover what else is different about UH.  PAGE 10

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P5 FEATURE

UT ADMISSIONS case gains support

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Are reality shows falling off?

According to the numbers, it seems reality TV may have hit a bump in the road both in terms of viewership and creativity. The story is at defendernetwork.com

Book TALK

What to do this weekend Looking for something to do this weekend? The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area at defendernetwork.com.

Secrets behind ‘House Party’ Ask anyone to name their favorite party movie and chances are ‘House Party’ is on the list. But there are some amazing surprises behind the making of the film. Find out at defendernetwork.com.

Read Sparkle: A Novel before you see it. Celebrity writer Denene Miller pens the book to go along with the movie. Find out more at www.defendernetwork.com.

UniverSoul Circus is at Butler Stadium through Aug. 19.

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Houston janitors say

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victory ‘hard fought’

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Educator Felix Cook dead at age 85 Defender News Services

Janitors vote to ratify an agreement reached with cleaning contactors.

Defender News Services

Local janitors are celebrating their new agreement recently reached with cleaning contactors.

The agreement would raise wages 12 percent over four years and quash a key demand of the contractors that would have significantly weakened the janitors’ union.

“This victory was hard fought,” said Maria Lopez, a janitor who returned to work after nearly five weeks on strike. “What we won is a drop in the bucket for the companies who own these office buildings. But for janitors, this increase will make a real difference.”

“Today we took a huge step forward for working families, but we know we still have a long way

to go,” said Elsa Caballero, Texas state director for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1.

“Low-wage workers in Houston are still struggling to get by on poverty wages while corporate profits continue to rise. But the janitors have proven once again that when working people come together, we really can make change.”

Houston area janitors had been on strike since July 10. They had been earning $8.35 an hour, and cleaning contractors initially offered a 50 cent raise over five years.

According to the new agreement, wages will increase to $9.35 an hour over four years, double the contractors’ initial proposal.

The janitors’ struggle garnered

support from religious leaders, elected officials and community groups in Houston and around the country. Supporters included Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “Many Houstonians, myself included, have supported the rights of working men and women to organize in order to secure just and equitable treatment in the workplace,” Jackson Lee said.

“Janitors represent an important group of service professionals who serve a vital role for the businesses of our community. Clean buildings are a necessity. Therefore, these janitors are entitled to better wages and fair treatment,” she said.

SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America with 2.1 million members.

The late Felix Cook Jr. is remembered as a dedicated HISD teacher and administrator. Cook died Aug. 8 at the age of 85.

Cook served as a teacher and coach at E. O. Smith Junior High and Phillis Wheatley High School, and as principal of Sharpstown High School. He served for 12 years as a deputy superintendent.

HISD named a school for him in 2006 on the site of the old James Sanderson Elementary School. His late wife Opal Cook taught at Sanderson.

In addition, Cook served as adjunct professor of higher education at Texas Southern University for 20 years.

A Houston native, Cook played football and ran track at Wheatley. He continued to excel in sports at Wiley College, and took great pride in being a part of the college’s 1945 national championship football team.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wiley in 1948 and later received a master’s degree in higher education from TSU. He received an honorary doctorate from Wiley.

Cook’s survivors include a son, daughter and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wiley College Scholarships, 711 Wiley Avenue, Marshall, TX, 75670.

Felix Cook Jr.

localbriefs HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Board of Trustees voted in favor of putting a $425 million bond referendum on the ballot for the Nov. 6 election.

The funds will be allocated for new facilities, improvements and acquisitions. Since 2007, the college has grown by 40 percent and is currently operating at 92 percent capacity. To illustrate the need for more space, HCC’s Coleman College for Health Sciences was originally built to accommodate 1,500 students, but now serves 3,500, with some students having to schedule their lab hours past midnight. What will the bond referendum cost Houston’s homeowners? The average cost of a

house in Houston is $150,000 and homeowners can expect to pay an additional $30.92 a year, though the cost is dependent on the fluctuation in property valuation……... A PEARLAND MAN is free on $20,000 bond after being charged with promotion of child pornography. Medger Chauncey Duckens, 44, came under investigation by the Houston Police Department after allegations surfaced he had taken graphic images of a teenage girl. The girl, now 18, told police she had been involved in a relationship with Duckens since she was 16. One image of the victim was allegedly taken inside the sound room of the Southwest Houston church where Duckens’

uncle is the pastor……..METRO IS RECEIVING an additional $188 million for light rail construction.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that Metro will receive the funds for construction of the North and Southeast light rail lines as part of their Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration……..TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY is opening a Teaching and Learning Excellence Center in a continuing effort to meet the needs of 21st century learners. The center’s primary function is to promote a culture of excellence in teaching and advising by offering ongoing training, development and support to faculty.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012

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U.S.briefs

Jackson treated for bipolar disorder Defender News Services

After weeks of speculation, the Mayo Clinic cleared things up by announcing that Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for bipolar II disorder.

The famed Minnesota facility said in a statement that Jackson, son of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, “is responding well to the treatment and regaining his strength.”

The condition affects the parts of the brain controlling emotion, thought and drive. According to the clinic’s website, bipolar II is less severe than bipolar I. “You may have an elevated mood, irritability and some changes in your functioning, but generally you can carry on with your normal daily routine.

Instead of full-blown mania, you have hypomania — a less

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

severe form of mania. In bipolar II, periods of depression typically last longer than periods of hypomania.”

The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. “For some people,” the clinic said, “depression causes the most problems; for

other people, manic symptoms are the main concern. Symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania or hypomania may also occur together. This is known as a mixed episode.”

Millions of people have bipolar disorder, which can be treated by medication and psychological counseling.

Jackson, 47, announced in late June that he had taken a leave from office for treatment of exhaustion.

Amid pressure to disclose more about his medical condition, he issued a statement on July 5 that said his problems were more serious than previously believed and that he needed treatment for unspecified physical and emotional ailments.

Experts and mental health advocates say many people with bipolar disorder are able to work and function while managing treatment.

It is unknown when Jackson will return to work.

Executive order combats violence against women Defender News Services

President Obama recently issued an Executive Order on Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Women and Girls Globally.

The order is an effort to advance the rights and status of women and girls, promote gender equality in U.S. foreign policy, and bring about a world in which all individuals can pursue their aspirations without the threat of violence.

Violence against women and girls cuts across ethnicity, race, class, religion, educational level and international borders. An estimated one in three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.

Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence experienced by women globally. Other forms include human trafficking, sexual

Valerie B. Jarrett

violence, early and forced marriage, female genital mutilation and “honor” killings.

Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to Obama and chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, said gender equality and advancement is at the

forefront of American foreign policy.

“I am proud to announce that the President has taken another important step to prioritize and protect the rights of women and girls,” Jarrett said.

“The Executive Order requires enhanced coordination of the United States’ efforts through the creation of an interagency working group…designed to leverage our country’s tremendous expertise and capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally as well as establish a coordinated, government-wide approach to address this terrible reality,” she said.

“But we realize that government alone cannot end this problem. That’s why the Executive Order directs agencies to deepen their engagement with a broader set of stakeholders, including civil society, grassroots, and international organizations, all of which are a vital part of the effort to end violence against women and girls.”

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA talked politics during a fundraising swing through Los Angeles. Her visit included stops at the homes of singer Gwen Stefani and Warner Bros.

CEO Barry Meyer. “This election is about our values,” Obama told one group. “We’re doing this because of the vision for this country that we all share.” Later, Mrs. Obama appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” where fellow guests included Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas. When asked to name the initiative she was most proud of during her husband’s term, she cited the Affordable Care Act…THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES will be held Oct. 3 in Denver, Oct. 11 in Danville, Ken., Oct. 16 in Hempstead, N.Y., and Oct. 22 in Boca Raton, Fla. The NAACP is bothered by the fact that none of the moderators are journalists of color. “The lack of diversity among this year’s debate moderators is representative of the overall lack of diversity in news media,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous……..FLORIDA U.S. REP. ALLEN WEST, the only Black Republican member of Congress, said a campaign ad depicting him punching white women in the face fuels racist stereotypes and would spark “national outrage” if he wasn’t Black conservative. The ad, released by a political action committee, showed a cartoon version of West “socking it to” an elderly woman and a younger woman because of his opposition to Medicare and women’s health care funding…….. REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENTIAL candidate Paul Ryan has the support of West. “I am pleased to congratulate my colleague, Congressman Paul Ryan, on being selected to join Mitt Romney on the road to the White House as his vice presidential running mate,” West said. “I will wholeheartedly support the Republican candidates, and with true fiscal conservative Paul Ryan on the ticket, I am particularly pleased to do so.”

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 42 WEEK OF AUGUST 16, 2012

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

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

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

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WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012 | DEFENDER

entertainment

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Carmen Ejogo co-stars in ‘Sparkle’ role. The highs and lows of the character’s sister [Sparkle, played by Jordin Sparks] are so dramatic and nuanced and layered that you’d be a fool to turn this role down.

KW: Did you go back and Watch Lonette McKee’s performance in the original version of “Sparkle” in preparing to do this role?

CE: No. I don’t know how you make a role your own if you do that. So, watching another actress play the same character in preparation for my

ing who you are, and following your path even if you’re not given support by those around you. And it’s also about family. armen Ejogo was born in London on New KW: What was it like working with Whitney Year’s Day, 1974 to Elizabeth Douglas Houston? and Charles Ejogo, a couple of Scottish CE: Amazing. She is an icon, and she brought and Nigerian extraction. She made her a passion from the heart for telling Sparkle’s story U.S. film debut opposite Eddie Murphy that made her an inspiration to watch every day and playing Veronica Tate in the 1997 comedy “Metro.” it also made it a pleasure to perform opposite her.

She went on to star in such films as Kenneth KW: Are you happy?

Branagh’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s CE: Yes. I’m happier than I’ve been “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” “What’s the for a very long time, for all kinds of Worst That Could Happen?” opposite reasons. I’m glad my kids are happy. I’m Martin Lawrence, and Neil Jordan’s grateful that my work is going well. I’m “The Brave One” opposite Terrence happy that this moment in my career arHoward and Jodie Foster. rived at this age, because I’m ready for it Ejogo can next be seen starring in a way that I might not have been at 20. opposite Tyler Perry in the feature “I, KW: How hard is it to balance workAlex Cross,” a psychological thriller ing and parenting, given that you and based on the James Patterson novels Jeffrey are both actors? about a Washington, D.C. detective.

CE: It explains why I haven’t been Ejogo garnered the attention of onscreen very much the last 10 years. It’s television critics and audiences alike very hard. It’s been getting easier as I for her portrayal of the title character give myself permission to work again. in the 2000 CBS miniseries “Sally KW: If you could have one wish inHemmings: An American Scandal.” stantly granted, what would that be for?

Later, Ejogo starred as Coretta Scott CE: That “Sparkle” is a huge hit.

King in HBO’s critically acclaimed KW: What key quality do you believe film “Boycott” opposite Jeffrey Wright all successful people share?

– her real-life husband – and Terrence CE: That depends on how you define Carmen Ejogo (center) joins Tika Sumpter (left) and Jordin Sparks in the remake of “Sparkle.”

Howard. success. Success for me will be where the In 2005, Ejogo starred in HBO’s body of work I’ve done afforded me the “Lackawanna Blues.” Her role as Aalen earned her own performance is the last thing I would ever do, opportunity to be as good as I can be, and to exa second Image Award nomination. particularly with Sister. Since Lonette made it so plore myself and to see what I’m capable of. People Ejogo and Wright live in Brooklyn, where they iconic that it would be a crazy idea to watch her. like that share a willingness to be scared and to take are rearing their two children. Here, she talks about KW: What message do you think people will chances. her latest role as Sister in “Sparkle” opposite Jordin take away from the movie?

KW: What excites you?

Sparks and the late Whitney Houston.

CE: It’s essentially about not letting your light CE: My children.

KW: What interested you in Sparkle? be dimmed by anybody who doesn’t appreciate the KW: How do you want to be remembered?

CE: This role is to die for. It’s such a great dream that you’re trying to pursue. It’s about knowCE: Oh my. I’m a bit young to be asked that.

C

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

What’sup JAMIE FOXX is reuniting with his former TV co-star GARCELLE BEAUVAIS in the thriller “White House Down.” Foxx portrays the president and Beauvais plays the first lady. A release date is yet to be announced. Beauvais was Foxx’s love interest in the “Jamie Foxx Show,” which aired from 1996 to 2001 on the WB Network. The actor went on to win an Oscar for his performance in the movie “Ray” in 2005……..THE NEW REALITY SHOW “Stars Earn Stripes” is being opposed by nine Nobel Peace Prizewinners. Archbishop DESMOND TUTU and the other Nobel laureates contend that the show glorifies violence and war. A letter sent to NBC by the group said preparing for war “is neither amusing nor entertaining” and asked the network to stop airing the series. The show, which recently premiered, pairs eight celebrity participants with U.S.

military personnel. They execute complicated missions inspired by real military exercises. Celebrities include actor TERRY CREWS, retired boxer LAILA ALI and trainer DOLVETT QUINCE……..NFL wide receiver CHAD JOHNSON was all set to star in the VH1 reality series “Ev and Ocho” with his wife, EVELYN LOZADA, a “Basketball Wives” co-star. However, VHI announced that the new series had been cut due to Johnson’s recent arrest for domestic violence. Johnson is accused of headbutting and hitting Lozada, and was also cut by the Miami Dolphins due to his arrest. Lozada said she is “deeply disappointed” in Johnson and hopes he seeks help……..

SPIKE LEE’s new movie “Red Hook Summer” debuted with strong numbers following its premiere in four New York theaters. The film follows a 13-year-old as he is sent

from Atlanta to Red Hook, Brooklyn, to live with his preacher grandfather. The movie will branch out in the New York area and go national on Aug. 24……..AL FREEMAN JR., who portrayed Elijah Muhammad in Lee’s 1992 film “Malcolm X,” died Aug. 9 at the age of 78. The announcement was made by Howard University, where Freeman taught in the theater department. Freeman was born in 1934 in San Antonio, and was the son of a jazz pianist. He made his Broadway debut in 1960 and later shared the stage with such stars as CICELY TYSON, ROSCOE LEE BROWNE and DIANA SANDS. He appeared in more than a dozen films. Freeman won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1979 for his long-running portrayal of a police captain on the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live.”

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Environmental racism:

Studies have shown possible increased risks of certain illnesses among people who live too close to landfills.

Understanding the problem

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By ASWAD WALKER Defender

nvironmental racism is a topic rarely discussed within the Black community, but it’s one that has generational repercussions. In Houston and beyond, it impacts people of color on a daily basis, from the air they breathe to the value of their homes.

“The biggest determinant of your health is your zip code,” said Dr. Robert Bullard, dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University.

Bullard is one of the world’s leading authorities on environmental issues and a tireless advocate for environmental justice.

“All environmental justice issues don’t fall under environmental racism,” Bullard said. “But if communities receive unequal protection and more than their share of pollution, and race is the factor, then it is racism, and we shouldn’t run from that fact.”

Environmental racism is defined as race-based inequality regarding factors and practices that causes disproportionate distress on minority communities. It is often used to describe specific policies, events, and outcomes in which such communities are targeted for the placement of polluting facilities and industries.

From landfills in Houston to hazardous waste incinerators in Chicago to power plants on

New Mexico Indian reservations, environmental racism is a serious problem with dangerous consequences.

Living near polluting facilities can put residents at higher risk for health problems such as asthma, cancer, lupus, infant mortality, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

“Over the years we’ve shown a historical pattern of communities of color receiving less protection and more pollution; it takes longer for the government to respond to these issues, and longer to get redress in the courts,” Bullard said.

“This pattern holds true for housing and voting rights and employment discrimination.

So we shouldn’t be surprised; environmental racism is consistent with other forms of discrimination,” he said.

Bullard identifies political decision-making as the genesis for much of the damage done by environmental racism, including land use and zoning decisions leading to the placement of the “worst of the worst” in communities of color.

These decisions have financial repercussions as well.

“Wealth is a function of home and property values accruing from one generation to the next. When landfills and high polluting industries are placed within our communities the property values plummet,” Bullard said.

Bullard is doing his part,

Houston’s environmental hazards While waste sites (i.e. landfills), lead paint on houses, pesticides and wastewater are listed among the nation’s top environmental hazards, air pollution and toxic waste production lead the way in Houston.

Most of Houston’s air pollutants are emitted directly into the air from motor vehicle emissions; emissions from ships, trains, airplanes, and heavy construction equipment; petroleum refineries along the Ship Channel; and the combined emissions from gas stations, dry cleaners, and other sources.

Tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks, and buses play a major role, especially since Houstonians drive on average more than 140,000,000 miles daily.

However, countless toxic pollutants are emitted into Houston’s air by more than 400 chemical manufacturing facilities, including 2 of the 4 largest refineries in the U.S. In 2011 Texas was named one of the 10 least green states, ranking 50th for the EPA’s toxic exposure score and 46th for cancer-causing chemicals released.

Texas leads the nation in hazardous waste production, generating 13,461,911 tons annually – more than three times the amount produced by the second worst-offending state, Georgia.

Sources: Mayor’s 2005 Task Force on the Health Effects of Air Pollution; Environmental Protection Agency; 24/7 Wall Street

and more, to sound the alarm. He is widely known for his role as founding director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center located at Clark Atlanta University. His impassioned focus helped facilitate the creation of

an entirely new field of study.

Years earlier in 1979, while a sociologist at TSU, Bullard played a major role in a landmark case.

His wife, attorney Linda McKeever Bullard, represented a group of Black Houston homeowners opposed to a plan that would locate a landfill in the middle of their backyards. Bullard conducted a study on the location of municipal waste disposal facilities in Houston and also served as an expert witness.

The lawsuit, Bean v. Southwestern Waste Management, Inc., was the first of its kind to charge environmental discrimination in waste facility placement under civil rights laws.

In large part because of Bullard’s work, Houston City Council passed an ordinance restricting the location of solid waste facilities near public facilities. The state of Texas also revised its solid waste permitting regulations.

Thanks to Bullard’s work over the years, groups such as the NAACP, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, American Civil Liberties Union and others are teaming up on environmental issues that disproportionately affect the poor and people of color.

Bullard fully believes some

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Finding solutions Dr. Robert Bullard said there are steps people of color can take to help solve the environmental racism problem.

• Organize into a group dedicated to fighting the environmental challenge. Educate your neighbors and take your battle to court if necessary.

• Demand equal treatment and insist that the government responds to your needs.

• Make sure your public officials know the laws and rules so they can fight for what your communities need.

• If a natural disaster strikes, be aware of the local evacuation plan in place. There has to be a plan in place and it has to be publicized. If you do not have a car, decide what you must do beforehand.

In a discussion paper prepared for a National Black Environmental Justice Network world summit in 2002, Bullard listed other solutions,

including: • Redefine environmental protection. The environmental justice movement redefined environmental protection as a basic right.

However, all communities have not received the same benefits from the implementation and enforcement of environmental laws.

• Design a holistic approach. Many problems could be eliminated if existing environmental, health, housing, and civil rights laws were vigorously enforced in a nondiscriminatory way.

• Make clean and affordable energy available.

Governments should initiate an action program to bring clean, affordable and sustainable energy sources to billions of people.

• Decrease pesticide use. Institute protocols and plans to decrease pesticide use, including prohibiting the export of banned or never registered pesticides.

• Reduce children’s exposure to neurotoxicants (chemicals toxic to the central nervous system).

Abate lead in older housing; target high-risk children; provide screening, early detection and treatment.

• Strengthen legislation and regulations. A legislative approach may be needed where environmental, health, and worker safety laws and regulations are weak or nonexistent.

• Forge international cooperative agreements.

Governments should take responsibility and develop policies that address global environmental racism.

• Build a global movement. The environmental justice movement is building a global network of groups, resource centers, researchers, scientists and educators. Better communication and funding is needed in every area. Erasing the “digital divide” is also a major strategy in combatting environmental racism.

About Dr. Robert Bullard government actions or lack of action have placed African Americans at elevated environmental health risks.

On the positive side, he said the federal government has stepped up some efforts to deal with environmental issues. He cited the Obama administration’s efforts to reinvigorate the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice, an entity charged with coordinating various agencies to more effectively address disparities.

He said it’s critical that these agencies find ways to address past discrimination against communities he describes as invisible – communities that have been ignored and become toxic dumping grounds.

“Despite the progress over the decades, environmental health and racial equity work is still neglected and shortchanged in terms of recognition,” Bullard said. “Those of us who have stayed the course, marathon runners not sprinters, are not in it for money or the recognition.”

Bullard is clear on what else is needed to help end environmental racism.

He said that by “building communities that are toxic free and making sure that the types of jobs we develop for the future are green jobs, we can start to address some of these issues.”

e Houston area for over 80 years

Place of birth Elba, Ala. Education • Ph.D. , Iowa State University (Sociology, 1976) • M.A., Atlanta University (Sociology, 1972) • B.S., Alabama A&M University (Government, 1968) Specialty areas Black urban experience, environmental justice, health disparities, land use, transportation equity, energy, suburban sprawl, housing, food security, disaster response, climate justice Professional experience (partial listing) • Dean, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University (2011-present) • Ware distinguished professor of sociology and director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center, Clark Atlanta University (1994-2011) • Professor, University of California, Riverside (1990-1994) • Associate professor, TSU (1980-87); assistant professor , TSU (1976-1980); director of research, TSU Urban Research Center (1976-78) Media • Author of 17 books on environmental justice and sociology • CNN News, People You Should Know (2007)

Facts & Figures Statistics cited by Dr. Robert Bullard in various publications point to the seriousness of environmental racism and injustice.

• People of color make up 56 percent of the residents living in neighborhoods within two miles of the nation’s commercial hazardous waste facilities. They comprise 69 percent of residents in neighborhoods with clustered waste facilities.

• Because of their close proximity to industrial corridors and transportation routes, many Black communities are exposed to elevated health risks from accidents, leaks, spills, explosions,

and derailments. In 2004, more than half of the nation’s 60,000 pressurized rail tank cars did not meet industry standards.

• Lead poisoning remains a health problem, affecting an estimated 310,000 (1.6 percent) of children ages one to five. African-American children are at two times greater risk than white children.

• Nine out of 10 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regions have racial disparities in the location of hazardous waste sites.

• In 2007, people of color were more concentrated in areas with commercial hazardous sites than in 1987.

Learn more about Dr. Robert Bullard and environmental racism/natural disasters at

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Fewer Blacks dial 911 for strokes Special to NNPA from New Pittsburgh Courier Most African Americans say they would call 911 if stroke symptoms occurred, but few do, according to research reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

In a survey of 253 African Americans in Washington, D.C., 89 percent said they would call 911 at the first sign of a stroke. Yet, only 12 percent of 100 stroke patients surveyed in D.C. called 911 right away when faced with symptoms.

Blacks are at greater risk for stroke and are more likely to die compared to whites due to higher rates of risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity.

Prompt hospital arrival is critical because intravenous clot-busting drugs can prevent permanent stroke damage if administered within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.

Among 100 reallife stroke patients in the study: •Almost half delayed seeking medical treatment because they thought symptoms weren’t serious or because they thought they’d feel better.

•Three-fourths called family or a friend first.

•Of those who suspected they were having a stroke, only half arrived at the hospital via ambulance.

•Of those who arrived by ambulance, 35 percent did so only because they had no other transportation.

“We found that virtually no one knew that treatment was available and that getting to the hospital quickly means right now – as in drop

everything,” said Amie W. Hsia, M.D., the study’s lead author, an assistant professor in the Georgetown University Department of Neurology and medical director of the Washington Hospital Center Stroke Center in Washington, D.C. “With every minute that passes, more brain cells die.”

The disconnect was “striking” when comparing what volunteers said they would do hypothetically and what most people did when real stroke symptoms surfaced,” Hsia said.

“Stroke doesn’t typically cause pain or cause patients to collapse, so some will go to bed and hope they feel better,” she said. “Or they want confirmation that what is happening is serious and is worthy of calling 911, so they call a family member or friend first.”

In addition to the potential of receiving clot-busters, patients arrive faster in an ambulance, the hospital can be alerted in advance by EMS and patients who arrive by ambulance are given priority in the hospital and are therefore treated sooner, Hsia said.

“That information doesn’t seem to have gotten into the D.C. community enough,” Hsia said.

“If you show up in your car, the hospital has to triage and figure out how serious your symptoms are, which takes more time.”

Researchers conducted the study in an effort to identify disparities in care and outcomes between Black and white stroke patients.

Further research is needed to determine and conquer the barriers between “behavioral intent” and “actual behavior,” Hsia said.

Stroke warning signs are: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, often on only one side of the body • Sudden confusion and trouble speaking or understanding others; sudden difficulty seeing • Sudden trouble walking, feelings of dizziness and loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache of unknown cause The presence of any of these signs warrants a call to 911 for immediate medical attention.

classified

“With every minute that passes, more brain cells die.”

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WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012 | DEFENDER

UT admissions case gains support Defender News Services

T

he Obama administration has voiced its support for the University of Texas’ use of race as a standard in its admissions policies, and has asked the Supreme Court not to interfere with the consideration of racial preferences in college admissions.

In addition, the NAACP, Texas State Conference of NAACP Branches and a University of Oregon School of Law professor have filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the case of Fisher v. The University of Texas at Austin, et al.

The high court’s ruling on the UT admission program will be its first ruling on affirmative action in higher education since 2003. Arguments begin on Oct. 10.

“Race is one of many characteristics (including socioeconomic status, work experience and other factors) that admissions officials may consider in evaluating the contributions that an applicant would make to the university,” U.S. Solicitor Gen. Donald Verrilli Jr. said in his brief, siding with UT. “Texas has an ugly legacy of de jure and de facto discrimination at all levels of public education,” said NAACP General Counsel Kim M. Keenan. “The University of Texas’ admission policy is narrowly tailored to eliminate the continuing effects of that legacy.

The policy is individualized and considers race simply as a factor of a factor of a factor.”

The NAACP brief argues that Texas’ long history of state-sponsored segregation necessitates its actions to remedy the lasting effects. The brief outlines the state’s history of segregation and Texas’ failure to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The NAACP further

asserts that “the mere adoption of racially neutral policies for prospective application is not an adequate remedy to the consequences of past discriminatory conduct.”

The brief also explains that the “University of Texas’ admission

policy is constitutional because it is narrowly tailored to eradicate the vestiges of Texas’s prior official policy of discrimination.”

More specifically, the NAACP contends that the “program considers race as only one factor among

many, in the context of ‘truly individualized’ evaluation of each applicant for admission to the University of Texas.”

Finally, the brief explains how ignoring race would force UT to ignore the accomplishments of racial minorities.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012 defendernetwork.com

sports

Defense sets the tone for

Cougars I

By MAX EDISON Defender

n recent years the first image that comes to mind when talking about University of Houston football has been offense. Under previous head coaches Art Briles and Kevin Sumlin, the Cougars were an offensive explosion just waiting to happen.

Coming off a 13-1 season in 2011 with the nation’s top offense, new head coach Tony Levine and the Cougars are expected to continue their high scoring ways. In 2012 they’ll have to do it with a brand new cast of characters and an experienced defense.

Quarterback Case Keenum, wide receiver Patrick Edwards and their recordsetting cronies have all departed from last season. Only running back Charles Sims (junior, 6-feet, 205 pounds) remains from last year’s high-octane offense.

Coach Levine turns over the QB reins to David Piland (sophomore, 6-feet-3, 200 pounds,) who gained valuable experience in 2010 when Keenum suffered a season- ending knee injury. Piland will be throwing to a new group of talented, but inexperienced receivers.

In a unique turn of events, the Cougars will have to rely on an experienced group on defense to carry them early on until the offense can find its stride.

First-year defensive coordinator Jamie Bryant

will man the defensive end positions and will be expected to keep pressure on opposing QB’s.

Expect Joey Mbu (sophomore, 6-feet-3, 320 pounds), Tomme Mark (freshman, 6-feet-2, 260 pounds), Desmond Pulliam and Jon Witten (sophomore, 6-feet-2, 230 pounds) to all figure prominently in the front four rotation.

The Cougar linebackers will be solid, led by four-year starter Phillip Steward (senior, 6-feet-2, 230 pounds).

Steward will be on the strong side, Derrick Mathews (sophomore, 6-feet, 208 pounds) will line up on the weak side and Everett Daniels (senior, 6-feet, 200 pounds) will start in the middle in what Linebacker Phillip Steward (42), defensive tackle Dominic Miller (99) and cornerback D.J. Hayden (2) should be a fast, aggressive group. are key cogs to a stingy Cougar defense In the secondary the Cougars return the finest cornerback tandem in the conference. D.J. Hayden (senior, 6-feet, 190 will convert from a 3-4 to a more pounds.) and Zach McMillian (junior, 5-feet-10, conventional 4-3 and has six 175 pounds) will be tasked to contain a bevy of returning defensive starters to talented receivers that will be featured in C-USA work with. play.

Under Bryant expect a Chris Cermin (senior, 5-feet-10, 190 pounds.) fast, aggressive, attacking and Kent Brook (junior, 5-feet-11, 200 pounds) defensive presence, a style will handle the responsibilities at the safety posithat suits senior linebacker tions.

Expect Colton Valencia (junior, 5-feet-10, Phillip Steward just fine.

190 pounds.), Thomas Bates (junior, 5-feet-11, “I’m excited,” Steward 180 pounds), Trevon Stewart (freshman, 5-feet-9, said. “[Bryant] will make 195 pounds.) and Jeffery Lewis (senior, 5-feet-9, our defense more physical 185 pounds) to provide high-quality depth in the and more aggressive than it secondary. has ever been before, so as a “We know it’s going to [the offense] a little defender I’m looking fortime to get going so on defense we’ve got to be ward to it.” ready,” Steward said. “We don’t have a problem The defensive front will shouldering the load. We already knew that with be big and physical with tackles new players stepping up in new positions it might Dominic Miller (senior, 6-feettake them a minute, but defensively we’ll be 3, 300 pounds) and Radermon ready.”

Scypion (senior, 6-feet-4, 275 The Cougars have been predicted to finish pounds) anchoring the interior. atop the Western division in their final season Eric Braeswell (sophomore, in C-USA. They begin play in the Big East in 6-feet-4, 250 pounds) and Zeke 2013.

Riser (junior, 6-feet-4, 270 pounds)

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h.s.zone 2012 high school football Who climbs to the mountaintop?

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

W

ith all the shuffling and juggling due to the University Interscholastic League re-alignment, it’s tough to recognize the high school football lineup without a scorecard. While defending Class 5A champion Spring Dekaney remains in District 13-5A, many other schools find themselves in a new environment.

Perennial powerhouse Jack Yates has made the move from Class 4A to 3A, and will be joined by seven other Members of the Spring Dekaney team are elated after winning the 5A championship.

Houston Independent School District members to form District 23-3A. playoffs a year ago and 10 starters Kashmere could be just as compelling.

Kashmere, Washington, Worthing, return. Keon Taylor is the top returning Washington and Worthing qualified for Sterling, Furr, Jones and Scarborough running back while DeXavier Lancaster the postseason in 2011 and Houston are joining the Lions with one less and Rodney Baker will provide Sterling narrowly missed with two playoff berth at stake. leadership on defense. close losses at the end of the regular Class 3A sends three playoff Reagan, Waltrip and North Forest season. representatives from each district as should contend for the final two playoff Washington has a pair of talented opposed to four teams in the larger two berths. wide receivers in Jacoby Conway classifications. Yet dropping a school North Forest quarterback Darrell and William Gibbs. However, coach means playing someone outside the Julian was a first-team all-district Nat Jones will have a newcomer at HISD in the first round of the playoffs. selection last year, but the Bulldogs quarterback.

Yates and Kashmere will likely vie couldn’t win the critical games to earn Worthing head coach Brandon for the district championship and will a postseason berth.

Ellis has experienced skill personnel in meet on Nov. 3 at Delmar Stadium.

Reagan did advance into the quarterback Stephon Crayton, running Eleven starters return for Yates postseason last year and won a firstback DaRobert Tezino and wide head coach Ronald Miller. The Lions round playoff game over Worthing. receiver Yzerick Oliver. Linebacker will be led by running back Arthur Tyron Washington passed for 1,828 Arthur Bradshaw and defensive Lockett, who rushed for 1,634 yards yards and 23 touchdowns in 2011.

Nekimian Spears Gill will lead the and scored 25 touchdowns last season.

Lee returns to varsity football Colts’ defense.

Offensive linemen LaFrance Harris, competition after restarting its football Veteran head coach Dwayne Dante Fisher and Titus Bryant will try program in 2010 on the junior varsity Colbert returns to the helm at Sterling to create room for Lockett as a new level. Head coach Daryl Hobbs may with running back Jarvis Duckworth quarterback settles in the position. be hard-pressed for victories in the back after rushing for more than 1,000 Joshua Simmons is trying to make the season’s early stages. yards last year. Defensive end Adrian shift from wide receiver to quarterback. Robeson is the leading returning tackler The Sunnyside Senators will begin Miller’s top defensive returnees varsity football competition in 2012. on defense. include DB Ikeena Ozz, CB Dalford Sunnyside is a charter school under the Wheatley remained in Class 4A Green, DL Jerome Bolton, LB Dominic and will be joined by Sharpstown, KIPP umbrella that serves Sunnyside Ratliff, DL Shun Brisby and DL Devin and surrounding communities. The Reagan, Waltrip, North Forest, Milby, Allen.

Senators played a junior varsity Austin, Davis and Lee in District 21Kashmere head coach Garry schedule as an independent against 4A. Dunham has 13 starters returning from HISD, TAPPS and SPC schools in its With Yates gone, Sharpstown will the swagger of last season’s district second year of football in 2011. look to duplicate last season’s district championship. The Rams will be Sunnyside was placed in District championship when they were the only further motivated by the fact that Yates 24-3A along with the likes of La school to defeat the Lions in league ended their season a year ago with a play. Jerrod Taylor is back after rushing Marque, West Columbia, Sweeney and 35-14 victory in the bi-district round Stafford. for 1,245 yards and linebacker Reggie of the playoffs. Linebacker Grant Ross Demun Mercer has transferred Chevis is a force on defense. will anchor the K-Rams’ defense. from Chavez to La Marque and Wheatley head coach Cornelius The race for the third and final gives the Cougars a dual threat at McFarland is optimistic after his team playoff berth behind Yates and quarterback. advanced to the second round of the

WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012 DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs Two areas home to champs Spring Dekaney won a Class 5A high school football championship in 2011. Pearland brought the 5A championship trophy back to the Houston area in 2010. Since 2000, nearly 70 percent of the 5A and 4A champions have resided in either the Houston area or the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Lake Travis, outside of Austin, is one of the few exceptions. Southlake Carroll won its eighth state title last December and Aledo captured its fourth.

Local volleyball preview Three Division I college recruits give Cypress Woods the preseason nod as the top-ranked Class 5A high school volleyball program in the greater Houston area. Cy Woods was good last year and with the return of Chloe Collins (committed to Texas), Victoria Arenas (Texas A&M) and Marissa Guzman (Houston) will be fully motivated after losing to rival Cypress Falls in the regional final.

Pearland is excited about the arrival of high-level recruit Cassidy Nussman to its already stellar program. Ashley Smith (TCU) and her 1,200 kills return for Clear Creek along with setter Courtney Richardson. Clear Lake and Bellaire will also be good. Cypress Falls may suffer if LSU commit Mylan Eugene does not play.

Cross country preview When the state high school cross country meet competes in Round Rock every year, it’s safe to assume representatives from The Woodlands High School will be on hand in the boys’ and girls’ divisions. The Highlanders have won eight of the last 10 team titles in cross country. Other teams to watch include Strake Jesuit (boys), Kingwood (girls) and Friendswood (boys).

Final Olympic highlights The swimming events are intriguing, and the gymnastics events are inspiring with their combination of strength and grace. But the track and field events are the highlight of the Olympics and this year was no exception. The USA women gained a measure of revenge in the sprints against their rivals from Jamaica. Despite losing the 100 meters to Jamaican Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, Allyson Felix came back and captured gold in the 200. The team of Tianna Madison, Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter captured the 4x100 relay in world-record time (40.82 seconds). The team of Felix, DeDe Trotter, Francine McCorory and Sanya Richards-Ross won gold in the 4x400 meters relay. Richards-Ross also won gold in the 400 meters. Unfortunately for the USA men it was same song different verse, as Usain Bolt and the Jamaican men continued their domination in the sprints. Bolt repeated his gold medal trifecta in London winning the 100 and 200 meters and setting a world record in the 4x100 meter relay (36.84).

Texans look impressive Although it was the first preseason game, the Texans looked impressive in their win over the Carolina Panthers. Playing without starter Andre Johnson on offense and Brian Cushing on defense, the team responded well and didn’t miss a beat.

The road gets tougher in the upcoming weeks with San Francisco and New Orleans on the schedule.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF AUGUST 16 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

Olympic ‘gold’ isn’t just for athletes

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By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL Nielsen

If you’re one of the millions of viewers who watched the Olympics recently, you’re not alone.

Nielsen research shows that the all-important, megaproduced opening ceremony in London garnered a stunning 40.7 million total U.S. viewers (Blacks made up 3 million of those watching), annihilating all previously held records for a Summer Olympics broadcast.

Not surprisingly, Americans are far more likely to tune in when the games are happening on home turf. Until now, Atlanta’s Olympics opening ceremony in 1996 attracted the largest number of viewers with roughly 40 million.

As much as we want to think of the Olympics exclusively as the world’s foremost sports competition (and it is), that can catapult participants into national and even international fame (which it can), it is also a marketing bonanza for sponsors, advertisers and marketers.

So, while millions of us watched with bated breath to see which of our stellar athletes or teams would ascend the podium to accept the gold, bronze or silver medals, billions of dollars were spent and/or made to capture our attention as we did all of that watching – and you thought consumerism wasn’t a professional sport!

It’s interesting to note that NBC will probably break ratings records with its Olympic coverage even though much of it was tape-delayed to run in primetime, which some analysts believe underscores the growing power of sports programming.

Let’s talk about what those numbers mean. We all know that the cost of everything continues to climb over the years. Check out the increase in a 30-second U.S. commercial spot during the opening ceremony: In 1988, for the Seoul Olympics, a 30-second commercial cost $155,000.

A spot in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony jumped up to – are you sitting down – as much as $725,000 per commercial.

The televised games provided an opportunity for a parade of brands to tap into your inner most yearnings while you felt patriotic, or inspired or emotional, or all three.

What mother among us – who hasn’t given up our early mornings, late evenings and full weekends and holidays to drive, cheer, and coerce our own little athletes toward glory – could tear our eyes away from the commercial that celebrated mothers globally?

Whew. Talk about powerful stuff. My eyes were glistening as my own memories of similar mornings flitted across my mind.

My 6-foot-4 basketball-playing son looked on incredulously as the tears trickled down my cheeks as I watched the spot. His 16-year-old cynicism collapsed into three words: “Really Ma?! Really?”

But you know what? I don’t expect him to understand why that particular commercial resonated with me. Because likewise, I don’t feel any connection when my non-athletic self watches a sweaty, hoopster guzzle down energy drinks in a spot that highly resonates with him.

That is the true sport of advertising – connecting an audience to a product. And when a marketer does that successfully, we, as consumers, repay them with our own form of a gold medal – we purchase the product.

But, just like we demand of any Olympian – be sure advertisers earn the status we give them.

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