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HOUSTON HOMEOWNERS COULD BE REIMBURSED FOR HURRICANE HARVEY REPAIRS P2
Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 87 | Number 42
www.defendernetwork.com
AUGUST 16, 2018 |FREE
NEWSTALK VANESSA WYCHE named JSC first Black woman deputy director
P2 NATIONAL WESLEY BELL wins controversial St. Louis election
P3 SPORTS ED OLIVER poised for big season at UH
OMAROSA
TELLING ALL H PAGE 3
P10 TOP EVENTS
Roland Martin, Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell at the NABJ National Conference.
P12
Issa Rae
Charles McClelland
The actress returns with “Insecure,” the critically acclaimed series about the personal and professional lives of Black women in Los Angeles. It’s in its third season and Rae talks about why it’s an award-winning fan fave.
The Texas Southern University athletics director has resigned to become the next commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Find out who’s taking over as the university conducts a national search for McClelland’s replacement.
returns to HBO
leaving TSU athletics
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 16 | 2018
newstalk
Homeowners to be reimbursed for Harvey repairs Defender News Service
The City of Houston is launching a Homeowner Reimbursement Program to repay Hurricane Harvey victims for eligible repair expenses. “Houston is a resilient city. Many Houstonians have been working hard to rebuild their homes,” said Housing and Community Development Director Tom McCasland. “Help is on the way to assist homeowners with the cost of repairs.” The reimbursement program is one of five programs the City of Houston will launch to assist homeowners with home repair. Program guidelines outlining the specifics of the program are being developed now. A tip sheet advises residents about how to prepare to apply to the program as they make repairs. “We’re advising all homeowners to save receipts, sign contracts for any work completed on their homes, take before and after pictures, build to code, and familiarize themselves with the kinds of expenses that are eligible for reimbursement,” said Mayra Bontemps, HCD’s assistant director for Disaster Recovery. The program will not reimburse homeowners for luxury finishes such as marble countertops, Jacuzzis or pools. “Not everyone will qualify for the program, but we
Vote Aug. 25 on flood proposal
Harris County voters will head to the polls for the $2.5 billion bond proposal for flood risk reduction projects. The proposed project list currently includes 237 projects throughout the county, including dozens of projects to improve District C’s portions of White Oak Bayou, Buffalo Bayou, and Brays Bayou. If approved, the federal government will likely provide approximately $700 – $900 million in matching funds for more projects.
Election Day is Saturday, August 25th:
the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. Early voting is underway now.
In a 2017 photo, George Dorsey, left, helps his wife Arva inside their hurricane-damaged home in Houston. (AP Photo)
want to make sure homeowners know about the programs that are coming and how they can get ready,” Bontemps said. Mayor Sylvester Turner worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Texas andCounty Judge Ed Emmett to ensure that the City of Houston would administer its own housing recovery programs and that Houston got its fair share of recovery resources. The programs that launch later this year will be the first in more than $1 billion for housing recovery programming from Hurricane Harvey. Earlier this year, HCD convened 18 public meetings and conducted an online survey about Houstonians’ priorities for housing recovery. More than 800 people attended an in-person meeting, and an additional 700-plus participated in the online survey Visit www.houstontx.gov/housing for updates on housing recovery programs.
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Johnson Space Center names Black deputy director Defender News Services Black women are continuing to break barriers in the realm of STEM. NASA announced that Vanessa Wyche has been appointed deputy director of Johnson Space Center, making her the first African-American woman to take on the role. Wyche will assist Director Mark Geyer in leading one of NASA’s largest installations, which has nearly 10,000 civil service and contractor employees – including those at White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, NM – and a broad range of human spaceflight activities. “I am incredibly humbled to take on this role at JSC, and also excited to assist Mark with leading the home of human spaceflight,” Vanessa Wyche Wyche said. “I look forward to working with the talented employees at JSC as we work toward our mission of taking humans farther into the solar system.” Before joining JSC in 1989, Wyche worked for the Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C. A South Carolina native, Wyche is a graduate of Clemson University with both a bachelor of science in materials engineering and a master of science in bioengineering. Wyche is the recipient of two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals and two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals.
Weekend Video Watch
Houston African-American Women’s Empowerment Luncheon attendees weigh in on their political power and the importance of voting. Participants include: Shekira Dennis, Georgia Provost, Debbie Tyler Dillard, Tatiana Holland, Monique Sapp, Deshara Goss, Shannon Buggs, Lamonica Love, Erica Fowler Foster, Nikkia Sams. We could not use Linda Lorelle and Davetta Daniels comments due to background noise.
localbriefs FORT BEND ISD, according to their spokespersons, is continuing to work with community groups and stakeholders to ensure appropriate and dignified memorialization of the 95 people whose remains were discovered at the abandoned historic cemetery on the construction site of the James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. The National Black United Front and other concerned citizens, however, believe the district and City of Sugar Land, are merely providing lip service but have yet to grasp the full scope of the discovery of 95 Black people whose stolen free labor via the corrupt convict leasing system provided the foundation for the wealth that built both the Imperial Sugar Company and the City of Sugar Land. Though the district recently entered into an agreement with the City of Sugar Land as a first step toward the planned reburial of remains at the Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery, NBUF
continues to meet with officials seeking additional demands, including DNA testing of all remains.…….THE CITY OF HOUSTON IMPLEMENTED the second phase of the City’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategic Plan. It is the nation’s first comprehensive municipal response to combat human trafficking. There are four components to the second phase of Houston’s anti-human trafficking plan: establish streams for victim screenings and making referrals to City of Houston anti-trafficking case managers; raise awareness among corporate partners about labor trafficking to improve employee recruitment and labor practices; engage U.S. Conference of Mayors on Houston’s response and advocate for federal funding shifts to support municipal responses; work with the hotel and motel industries to increase reporting of human trafficking. For more information visit humantraffickinghouston.org.
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national
U.S.briefs A FLORIDA PROSECUTOR OVERRULED the sheriff in a “stand your ground” case. Michael Drejka, who fatally shot Markeis McGlockton after McGlockton shoved him in a Clearwater, Fla. convenience store parking lot, has been charged with manslaughter. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri had said the state’s laws prevented him from arresting Drejka last month. Pinellas and Pasco County State Attorney Bernie McCabe said he came to his decision to charge Drejka after a nineday review. Drejka, 47, was arrested and bail set at $100,000……..IN RESPONSE TO THE MOST VIOLENT WEEKEND in Chicago since 2016, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson announced plans to deploy additional officers to the neighborhoods most impacted by recent gang shootings. More than 400 officers have been added to patrols in five of the hardest-hit districts on the city’s South and West sides. Those numbers are set to increase to 600. The announcement came after 11 people were fatally shot and 74 others badly wounded between 3 p.m. on a Friday and 6 a.m. on a Monday in an eruption of gun violence attributed mostly to gangs. No one has been arrested in the deadly shootings but Johnson said police have several promising leads……..PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA IS HELPING OUT its struggling restaurant owners. The company said it was planning to cut some royalties, food prices and online fees for the remainder of the year. The new initiatives aim “to help address the sales and operating challenges following comments made by the Company’s founder.” John Schnatter stepped down as chairman of Papa John’s after it was revealed that he used a racial slur during a conference call with a marketing firm earlier this year. Papa John’s has stopped using his image in marketing materials. In addition to reduced fees and royalties, the company will help franchisees pay for new marketing images.
Trump, Omarosa trade insults as book is released lowlife like Omarosa.” He added, “This is a modern day form of communication and I know the President Donald Trump Fake News Media will be workand former aide Omarosa ing overtime to make even Wacky Manigault Newman continue to Omarosa look legitimate as posface off in a messy clash that sible. Sorry!” involves an explosive tell-all The dispute has been buildbook, secret recordings and ing for days as Manigault Newplenty of insults – reviving man promotes her memoir “Untheir roles as reality show boss hinged,” which is out now. The and villain. book paints a damning picture of Trump labeled Manigault Trump, including her claim that Newman, the former White he used racial slurs on the set of House liaison to Black voters, his reality show “The Apprenas “wacky” and “not smart” tice.” after his former co-star reIn a series of interviews on vealed her recording of a phone NBC, Manigault Newman also reconversation with the president Omarosa Manigault Newman vealed two audio recordings from during a media blitz for her her time at the White House, including portions new book. of a recording of her firing by chief of staff John Beyond their war of words, the row touched Kelly, which she says occurred in the high-secuon several sensitive issues in Trump’s White rity Situation Room, and a phone call with Trump House, including a lack of racial diversity among senior officials, security in the executive mansion, after she was fired. Trump officials and a number of outside crita culture that some there feel borders on paranoia ics denounced the recordings as a serious breach and the extraordinary measures used to keep exof ethics and security. The latest tape recording employees quiet. appears to show Trump expressing surprise about In an unusual admission, Trump acknowlher firing, saying “nobody even told me about it.” edged that the public sparring was perhaps But Manigault Newman said he “probably inbeneath a person in his position, tweeting that structed General Kelly to do it.” he knew it was “not presidential” to take on “a Associated Press
St. Louis D.A. victory latest for movement Defender News Service
VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 42 AUGUST 16, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer
Jodie B. Jiles
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Editor Max Edison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
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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Voters in St. Louis recently headed to the polls with one goal in mind – get rid of Bob McCulloch , the veteran prosecutor who did not get an indictment against the white former Ferguson, Mo., police officer who fatally shot an unarmed Black 18-year-old four years ago. The passion over the Mike Brown killing led voters to elect Black City Councilman Wesley Bell with 57 percent to McCulloch’s 43 percent. The election was a win for the Black Lives Matter movement, which has increasingly shifted from protest to local politics in recent years. Voters concerned with the killing of unarmed Black people by police have made their voices heard from Ferguson to Cleveland to Chicago. In a clear sign of the interest and enthusiasm around the race, more St. Louis County residents voted in the district attorney’s contest for Bell than for any other candidate on the ballot, more than 103,000. With no candidate from any other political party in the race, Bell will run unopposed in November. He ran for the prosecutor’s job on a reform platform and hopes to expand diversionary programs and reform the cash bail system. Wesley Bell
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entertainment
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Issa Rae returns in ‘Insecure’ on HBO and two.”
Defender News Services
“Insecure,” the critically acclaimed series about the personal and professional lives of Black women in Los Angeles, recently returned to HBO for a third season. Issa Rae, who created the show with Larry Wilmore, portrays Issa Dee. Her best friend is Molly, portrayed by Yvonne Orji. The show, which is designed for mature audiences, is nominated for two 2018 Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Rae) and Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-camera Series. “Insecure” is partially Rae’s co-stars include (l. to r.) Yvonne Orji, Amanda Seales and Natasha Rothwell. based on Rae’s comedy web series, “Awkward Black Girl.” have to woman up.” It premiered on YouTube in 2011 and followed the life of J as she Rae’ character continues her close relationship with interacted with co-workers and love interests who placed her in her female friends on the show. uncomfortable situations. “Whenever you have the four girls together it’s fun… “I’m glad I’ve been allowed to move on from ‘Awkward because there’s nothing like the energy of your girlfriends,” Black Girl’ and give [fans] something new, more grown, and she said. “They’re all so different and they’re always on difthat’s a bit closer to me,” Rae said. “It’s been great to see the ferent pages. Tiffany [played by Amanda Seales] is pregnant response. Some have gone back to revisit ‘Awkward Black Girl’ and that might change the friendship dynamic in a way they as a result of ‘Insecure’ so that’s been amazing, too.” don’t expect and they have to come to terms with that.” In the new season of “Insecure,” Rae’s character has gone Rae’s co-star Orji gave her take on season three. through a major change. She moved out of the apartment she once “We’re growing up a little bit,” she said. “We’re taking shared with her ex-boyfriend, Lawrence, and is sleeping on the two steps forward – might take five steps back.” couch of another former lover, Daniel. Co-star Natasha Rothwell, who plays “Season three is about you should know better, so do better,” Kelli, added that the women in Rae said. “These characters, they’ve made a lot of mistakes. When the show will be “cashyou’re sleeping on somebody’s couch you’re kind of unstable and ing checks that they living with Daniel parallels her job, her love life, so she’s going to wrote in seasons one
In season three Rae’s character is sleeping on the couch of Daniel, portrayed by Y’lan Noel.
Actress, writer, director and producer Issa Rae portrays Issa Dee in “Insecure.”
what’sup “Basketball Wives” star JENNIFER WILLIAMS made her return to the VH1 reality series this season following a hiatus, but the star said she didn’t exactly have a warm welcome back. Williams was blamed for spreading the rumor that co-star EVELYN LOZADA hooked up with SHAUNIE O’NEAL’s ex, but she has continued to put the blame on TAMI ROMAN. Roman pulled out receipts while Williams failed to provide her promised text evidence. But that’s not the only issue that’s been playing out on screen for Williams – there’s her court trial with ex-boyfriend TIM NORMAN (from “Welcome to Sweetie Pie”). In the aftermath of their split,
the two hurled temporary restraining orders against one another, alleging violence among other things. Williams is reportedly planning to skip the season seven reunion, which is currently taping…….KEVIN HART has helped provide up to $600,000 in scholarships to 18 students attending HBCUs through his Help From The Hart charity. The comedian has teamed up with the UNCF and KIPP Public schools, a nationwide network of free open-enrollment college-preparatory schools in underserved communities, to help students from 11 colleges, including Tuskegee University, Xavier University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark
Atlanta University. Hart donated $300,000 of his own money, a number that was matched by KIPP……..RUSSELL SIMMONS has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women but that isn’t stopping him from firing back any way he can. The music mogul who has repeatedly denied raping anyone has reportedly filed a countersuit against one of the women who accused him of rape. In March, Jane Doe filed a $10 million lawsuit against Simmons and accused him of raping her and threatening to rape her son. Now, Simmons wants his accuser to pay him back for court fees and claims the lawsuit was just an attempt at publicity.
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 16 | 2018
Pierce Elevated architectural plan.
MAJOR TRANSPORTATION CHA
Pierce Elevated plan will c help move traffic along quicker. “The Houston district is comprised of a six-county region with 6 million people and our 6 million customers have 5 million cars,” Lewis n just a couple of years, the Texas Department of Transportasaid. “Demographers project our region’s population is expected to tion (TxDOT) will embark on a massive effort to remodel continue to grow at exponential rates.” the downtown freeway system known as the Pierce Elevated. According to Lewis, TxDOT studies project that by 2040, more The project will move I-45 onto the opposite side of downthan 500,000 motorists will be traveling in the corridor every day. town Houston, running parallel to US-59, right by Minute Removing the Pierce Elevated eliminates an unsightly boundary Maid Park. between downtown and Midtown. Capping options would create masWhile transportation officials laud the congestion relief, the sive new greenspaces north of I-10 at North Main and east of the George effort has drawn intense scrutiny and some opposition as local groups R. Brown Convention Center. and officials fear it could negatively affect communities in proximity Raquelle Lewis Much like Kyle Warren Park in Dallas or the Rose F. Kennedy Greto downtown like Third Ward and East Downtown. enway in Boston, these areas would offer room for a variety of innovative amenities. “We need to be able to move traffic better and the Pierce Elevated has inadThe downtown greenspace would build upon the civic energy created by equate capacity to accommodate the improvements,” said TxDOT spokesperson Discovery Green, BBVA Stadium and the Toyota Center, and connect the East End Raquelle Lewis. “We are trying to address transportation demands for today and the with downtown. They would also mesh aesthetically with the proposed land bridges future. That’s the goal of this $3 billion project.” for Memorial Park. By building these spaces, the city could create an entire system Completed in 1967, the elevated stretch of Interstate 45 running along the of over-highway parks and recapture prime spaces now given solely to cars. southern and western perimeter of downtown known as the Pierce Elevated, has The plans also call for putting a portion of the freeway below ground level, been a major source of traffic congestion. As a result, TxDOT’s plan would move which could affect the Astros game parking that currently exists underneath US-59. the entire traffic flow away from the southern and western sides of downtown and The plans will also impact several properties between Chartres and St. Emmanuel, demolish the bridge-like freeway. including the Lofts at the Ballpark, in order to build the wider freeway. The move will create a less tangled, less accident-prone route through Though the plan has its critics, Lewis said it was not developed without thordowntown to accommodate Houston’s booming commuter population. It’s ough research. expected to spark a 50 percent reduction in delay during peak hours around “This project is the result of more than 10-plus years of study, where continudowntown and will also increase the speed to 55 miles per hour, which should ous public engagement has been critical to the elmination and refinement of the
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By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
alternatives,” Lewis said. We are fede adverse impacts and the results are do mental Impact Statement (EIS). TxDOT anticipates releasing the Houston Mayor Sylvester Turne launched a committee to explore busi are unlocked. The mayor said he has p ate new public spaces as part of that p “The I-45 downtown segment ha that congestion is only worsening as o economy, our air quality and our indiv “This reconstruction will alleviat transportation network. The proposed town and spur potential economic dev the current Pierce Elevated into a linea High Line.” TxDOT, for its part, has no real s park concepts will not come from its c been studying the economic benefits o nomic development opportunities cou advantage of those opportunities are s Construction won’t begin until la For now, much like the rest of th tern, but there is no doubt that the swe sion and the rival Pierce Elevated par entire downtown area.
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T p r o j e c ts
Houston is the 11th m ost congested city in the United States acco pose major headache rding to a study by th s for the thousands of e traffic analytics firm commuters traveling Inrix, and unexpected to and from work ever Some of those projects traffic jams along with y da y. A common refrain , like construction along regular gridlock often among drivers is that 288, heading into Third construction always se The Defender takes a W ar d, dir ectly impact the Afric look at some of the m ems to be going on. an-American commun ajor upcoming transpo ity. rtation projects that Tx DOT is undertaking. Highway 288
Project details: Insta ll four (two in each dir lanes on 288, 10.3 mi ection) toll les from the Harris/Br azoria County Line to US59/I-69. Ther e will be two tolled direct connectors to Holcombe Boulevar d near the Texas Me dical Center (inboun and outbound). d St ar t: O ctob er 20 16 En d: Ea rly fa ll 20 19 (p ro je ct is 50 % co m pl ete) Co st : $2 84 m ill io n FY I: Th e So ut hm ore br id ge was de m ol is he d as pa rt of th e proj ec t bu t it w ill be re (G ra nd Pa rkway bu ilt an d re op en ed as pa rt ); th re e m ai nl an of th is proj ect. es ad de d from SH 99 to Ha rr is /Wal le r Co unty lin e; an d on e reve rs ib le hi gh occu pa ncy ve hi cl e (H OV US 290 ) la ne ad de d in th e m id dl e of th e ro ad way, ba rr Proj ect deta ils : ie rse pa rate d from I61 0 to M as on . Po pu latio n al on g th e I- 61 0 to th e Ha rr is /W St ar t: Ju ly 2011 al le r Co unty lin e, was estim ated at 68 8,00 0 in 20 En d: De ce m be r 10 ; th at nu m be r 2018 is antic ip ated to in crea se to 1.1 Co st : $1 .4 bi lli on m ill io n by 20 40 . Fi ve m ai nl an es w ill be ad de d fr om I- 61 0 to SH 6/ FM 19 60 ; fo ur m ai nl an es ad de d on Hi ghway 6/ I- 69 FM 19 60 to SH 99 Proj ect deta ils : Wid en la ne s from fo ur to ei ght
ANGES COMING TO HOUSTON
(fou r in ea ch di re ct io n) SH 99 from th e Wha rton Co unty Li ne (W CL) I- 69 from SH 99. From FM 22 to th e WCL , it w 18 ill w id en from 4 to 6 m ai nl an es (3 la ne s in ea ch di re ct io n) . Th ere w ill al so be co nt in ou s fronta ge ro ad us from SH 99 to th e WCL , as wel as co nstr uctio n l al on g ot he r se gm ents . St ar t: Se ptem be r 2014 En d: 2019 -2 02 0 Co st : $428 m ill io n (for al l se gm en ts) *P ro je ct info rm at io n prov id ed by Ge orge, Ho usto De id re a n Di st rict PI O
change face of downtown
erally required to evaluate and mitigate any ocumented in what we refer to as an Environ-
e final EIS before the end of this year. er, who supports the TxDOT program, has iness opportunities and how those opportunities put together a task force to look at ways to creproject. as been a source of congestion for years, and our population increases, to the detriment of our vidual pocketbooks,” Turner said. te substantial pressure throughout our city’s d realignment of the freeway will unify downvelopment. And I support the repurposing of ear park – a bigger, better version of New York’s
stake in the plan since funding for any future coffers. The group Central Houston, Inc. has of the project. They found that potential ecould total $5 to $9 billion, but proposals to take still years away from being accepted. ate 2019 or 2020. he freeway plan, everyone is in a holding pateeping changes proposed in TxDOT’s expanrk plans would have a dramatic impact on the
Artist rendering of the current and proposed space behind the Pierce Elevated.
e Houston area for over 85 years
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health
A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance
Undiagnosed PAD can be dangerous
BY FELICIA JORDAN, M.D., F.A.C.P. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic
O
ne in every 20 Americans over age 50 has peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition that raises the risk of heart attack and stroke, and it’s more common in AfricanAmericans than any other racial or ethnic group, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human services. Felicia Jordan, M.D., F.A.C.P. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and reduces blood flow to the feet and legs. Fairly common among older Americans, PAD is even more likely among those with diabetes, which increases plaque buildup. An early indicator can be intermittent leg pain. One of the dangers of PAD, however, is that because plaque buildup in the legs doesn’t always cause symptoms, many people can have it and not know it.
PAD could cause a stroke
PAD occurs when extra cholesterol and other fats circulating in the blood collect in the walls of the
arteries that supply blood to the limbs. Also known as atherosclerosis, this buildup of plaque narrows the arteries, often reducing or blocking the flow of blood. Most commonly seen in the legs, PAD also can be present in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the head, arms, kidneys, and stomach. If the blockage occurs in a carotid artery, it can cause a stroke. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, and a history of tobacco use – conditions and habits common in the African-American community – increase the risk of developing PAD.
Leg weakness and other symptoms to watch for Symptoms of PAD, when present, may include any of the following: • Hair loss on the feet and legs • Intermittent leg pain in the thigh, calf, or hips • Numbness and/or weakness in the legs • Sores or ulcers on the legs and feet that slowly or never heal • Leg skin that’s shiny or turns pale or bluish • Difficulty finding a pulse in the leg or foot
Treatment options
Once a PAD diagnosis has been made, the goals for treating it are to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and mobility, and prevent stroke, heart attack, and amputation. Typically, exercise is the most effective treatment. Simple walking routines, leg exercise, and treadmill programs can help decrease symptoms. Because many individuals with PAD have elevated cholesterol levels, diet changes may also be needed. Since tobacco smokers have four times the risk of developing PAD than nonsmokers, quitting smoking may help slow the progression of PAD. Medications to help lower cholesterol levels or ease leg pain may be prescribed as part of a PAD treatment plan. Angioplasty, the surgical unblocking or repair of a blood vessel, is another option. Patients who have PAD symptoms should have regular checkups with their primary care physician and recommended specialists. Dr. Jordan is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician at Kelsey-Seybold’s Katy Clinic. Call 713-442-0000 for an appointment.
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Healthcare that Revolves Around You. KelseyConnected is a smarter approach to your healthcare – because it revolves around you. As a Kelsey-Seybold patient, you have an entire healthcare team that can share your medical history through one electronic medical record and collaborate on medical care that’s right for you. Being KelseyConnected makes your experience with us easy and convenient with: n
Locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/locations.
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Appointments today! Book a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics appointment online at kelsey-seybold.com/NOW.
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Back-to-school: Bus safety rules for kids Defender News Services
something left on the bus; or bending over or bending down to retrieve something dropped while getting off the bus. • Kids should follow the five giant steps rule: Be five giant steps back from where the bus actually stops until it comes to a complete stop and the driver opens the door. • Backpacks/bags need to be fully closed and sized appropriately for a child to prevent safety hazards such as dragging straps. • Always stay seated on the bus. Teach your child to stay in the seat until the bus comes to a complete stop at your child’s destination. • Show appreciation to the bus driver. Remind your kids to say thank you when they get off. Kindness and good manners go a long way. • Railroad crossings require drivers to stop, to open the door and to make sure the coast is clear. Teach your kids to be extra quiet during these times.
The first day of school is quickly approaching and buses filled with excited students will soon be back on the roads. Parents are reminded that back-to-school readiness includes reviewing bus safety and etiquette. Riding the school bus has longtime been considered the safest form of student transportation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, American students are nearly eight times safer riding in a school bus than with their own parents and guardians in cars. As with all forms of transportation, dangers do exist. According to Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Center for side the bus. and put that information • Go over your child’s Safe and Secure Schools, • For younger kids, inside their backpack. Help bus routine. Describe the the greatest danger is not write down their names, your children memorize location and street where riding on the bus, but rather bus number, bus stop and your cell number; putting it your child should get off. getting on or off the bus. where you may be reached to song can help. • Don’t hang out of the Young school children ages window. 5-7 are the most at risk for Keep body bus-related injury. parts inElection Day is August 25th Early voting begins on August 8th Parents and children should discuss bus safety together to help ensure a safe start to the new and prevent future disasters ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSAL school year. HCDE FOURTH WARD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, offers the following CITY OF HOUSTON bus safety tips to help The Executive Director for Fourth Ward Redevelopment Authority will ease the back-to-school receive proposals at 410 Pierce, Suite 355 Houston, Texas for the following project: transition: Project Name: Street Reconstruction Project • Talk to your kids WBS Number: NT-14090-0001-4 about bus safety and Proposal Date: September, 27, 2018 respect. Ridership is Project Location: Fourth Ward Houston, TX Project Manager: Vanessa Sampson Phone Number 713-526-7577 a privilege. It can be Estimated Construction Cost: $6M taken away due to bad Pre-Proposal Meeting: September 4, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., 410 Pierce, Houston, TX. Meet in the Board Chambers on the 3rd Floor. behavior, so check Proposals will be accepted until 3:00 p.m., local time on the Proposal with your school disDate shown above. Proposals received after that time will not be trict about established accepted. Bid price from the proposals will be publicly opened and guidelines. Refer to the read aloud at 4:00 p.m. on the same day in Board Chambers. All interested parties are invited to attend. policy as “school bus Proposal documents and drawings may only be obtained elecbehavior policy” and tronically at the Fourth Ward Redevelopment Authority’s desiggo over it with your nated website: https://www.civcastusa.com/. Registration is required and services are free of charge. Contractors and the public can child. access proposal documents through this site. All questions and an• Dress appropriswers along with the release of addenda and other documents will be addressed on the CivCast site. ately for the weather. The Project may contain City of Houston Standard Construction SpecMany buses are not ifications for Wastewater Collection Systems, Water Lines, Storm air-conditioned. Drainage, Street Paving, and Traffic sections that are incorporated • Be at the bus stop into Project Manual by reference. These Standard Specifications, along with Standard Details, may be acquired at no cost on the City’s at least five minutes website at https://edocs.publicworks.houstontx.gov/engineering-andconstruction/specifications.html before the bus is set to Proposers shall comply with City Ordinance 2013-0428, Chapter 15, arrive. Tardiness and Article V, City of Houston Code of Ordinances, as amended, and City other mishaps can lead Supported by Harris County Mayors and Council Members Association, of Houston Office of Business Opportunity Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Procedures. Proposals will be to mistakes in safety Harris County Democratic Party, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation required to demonstrate good faith efforts to achieve a MWSBE parmeasures. Examples ticipation goal as stated in Document 00800 – Supplementary Conditions (Contract Goal of 19%) in accordance with Document 00808 – might be running For More Information Requirements for the City of Houston Program for Minority, Women, in front of the bus; and Small Business Enterprises and Persons with Disabilities Enterhcfcd.org/bond-program | fightflooding.org | #fightflooding prises (PDBE). running back to find
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 16 | 2018
sports
Houston Cougars poised for big season in 2018
A
By MAX EDISON Defender
s the University of Houston Cougars prepare for the upcoming 2018 season there is a buzz of optimism about how good this year’s team can be. Heading into his second season as head coach at UH, Major Applewhite is anxious to build on 2017’s disappointing 7-5 record and bowl game loss. The 2018 Cougars are loaded with talented young playmakers on both sides of the ball. Applewhite, offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio, will be tasked to quickly develop them. “Obviously, you are judged by your win-loss column, and ultimately, that is what matters,” Applewhite said. “But improvement [is key]. That’s why the whole theme in terms of fall camp is development. We want to develop as a team and, at some point, we will turn our focus to our first opponent.” The Cougars’ foundation for success is built on junior defensive tackle Ed Oliver, a two-time All-American and 2017 Outland Trophy winner. The former Westfield standout has already attracted the attention of the national media. He was named the top player in the nation by ESPN. He also will grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. Despite the accolades Oliver remains focused on one thing, making the Cougars a winner. “The city deserves it, the school deserves it,” Oliver said. “That’s definitely something that is high on my list above any personal goals, and whatever follows, follows. We had that type of success when I was a freshman. Quarterback D’Eriq King I want that type of success again this year.” Oliver announced this spring that this would be his final season at UH and he is entering the 2019 NFL draft. He explained why he decided to announce his intention so early. “I did it more so for the team than me,” he said. “Eliminate distractions so we can focus on games, not on me.” Any line that features Oliver will be a team strength. The Cougars see both their defensive and offensive lines as pluses on this year’s team. “The experience upfront on the offensive and defensive
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Coach Major Applewhite
line if you pinpointed it would be where our strength is,” Applewhite said. “We have had a lot of guys play on the offensive line that are on our roster and a lot of guys on the defensive side that have played a lot on our defensive line. That is where our experience is.” Expect to see a marked improvement in the Cougars’ offense this season. Briles, one of college football’s great young offensive minds, has been brought in to coordinate the offense. Former Manvel standout D’Eriq King will start the year at quarterback as opposed to being moved there from his receiver
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver
position in the middle of 2017. King is a talented dual threat signal caller who reminds everyone of former Cougar All Conference QB Greg Ward Jr. Applewhite knew he had something special in King when he moved him to quarterback in the game against No. 17-ranked South Florida last October. The Cougars pulled off an upset win, 28-24. “Quarterbacks in general have to be tough, they have to be great leaders and they have to be competitive,” Applewhite said. “You have to have those three characteristics no matter how fast you are or how well you can throw the ball.
“If you are tough, a leader and competitive, people can get behind you. You saw that when [King] came in the game at USF. He’s got the respect of our team. They know he is a tough competitor, and they know he is a leader.” King will have to develop a talented, yet largely inexperienced receiver group in order for the Cougars’ passing attack to soar. Courtney Lark and Keith Corbin return from the 2017 squad. They’ll be joined by Marquez Stevenson, Ja’Kori Morgan, Jeremy Singleton, Julon Williams and Parker Eichenberger. The Cougars are also largely unproven at running back as well. Expect Baylor transfer Terence Williams, Mulbah Car, Patrick Carr and Kevrin Justice to all compete for carries. On the defensive side of the ball Jerard Carter, Payton Turner and Isaiah Chamber will have opportunities to make plays on the D-line playing beside Oliver, who demands a double team. The linebacking group is strong featuring Leroy Godfrey, Emeke Egbule, Austin Robinson, Danny Anenih and Miami transfer Darrion Owens. The secondary is loaded with big-time talent and could be the best unit in the conference. Former Manvel star Deontay Anderson, an All SEC freshman team performer at safety, has transferred from Ole Miss and should make an immediate impact. Anderson will team with All Conference senior Garret Davis. Joeal Williams, Isaiah Johnson, Alexander Myres and Notre Dame graduate transfer Nick Watkins will all contribute at cornerback.
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AUGUST 16 | 2018 | DEFENDER
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McClelland leaving TSU for SWAC post Defender News Services
Dr. Charles McClelland, who took over the helm of Texas Southern University athletics more than 10 years ago, has resigned to become the next commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Kevin Granger, currently serving as TSU’s assistant athletic director, will take over as interim athletic director as the university conducts a national search for McClelland’s replacement. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve TSU for the past 10 years,” said McClelland. “I’ve been surrounded by wonderKevin Granger ful people, and this has been one of the best Dr. Charles McClelland family work environments I’ve ever expehis new role.” rienced. I am excited to be the new commisAs vice president of intercollegiate athletsioner, and I want to take the same energy and ics, McClelland supervised 16 sports, nine effort we have put forth here at TSU and spread women’s and seven men’s. TSU said that during it across all nine SWAC institutions.” his tenure, McClelland elevated the athletics TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane said he program to a higher level in the areas of athwanted to publicly thank McClelland for his letics, academics, facilities and overall brand hard work and many accomplishments. visibility. “I served on the SWAC commissioner hiring He also led the athletic department to sigcommittee, so this was naturally a tough decinificant, year-over-year improvements in the sion,” Lane said. “We hate to lose him, but he Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Sucis really committed to taking the SWAC to the cess Rate among its student athletes. next level. We wish him nothing but success in Perhaps his biggest facility achievement
was his large role in finalizing a deal with the Houston Dynamo soccer team to share the 22,00- seat BBVA Compass Stadium for Tigers football. The TSU football team began playing in its new downtown home in 2012. Granger joined TSU as athletics operations manager in 2008, the same year that McClelland joined the university. His primary responsibilities include processing athletic contracts, team travel, ticketing and managing TSU athletic facilities. Before coming to TSU, Granger was the head boys’ basketball coach at Worthing High School from 2001 to 2007. In his last year, he led his team to the 19-4A regional finals. He was also named 2007 19-4A Coach of the Year. Granger was a star player for TSU’s basketball team from 1992-96, and was the Division I leading scorer in 1996. “I’m extremely excited to lead TSU athletics into its next chapter,” said Granger. “Having been a former player and coach at TSU, and having worked directly under Dr. McClelland, it means the world to me to have this opportunity, and I thank Dr. Lane for having the confidence in me to fill this role.” Granger received the President’s Award (1996) as the top student-athlete at TSU and still ranks among the all-time greats in the university’s basketball history is several categories. Granger’s number 10 was retired in 2002.
Jim Brown believes in standing for anthem Defender News Services
NFL Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, who spent years advocating for social justice after his football career, said he would never kneel during the national anthem. “I am not going to denigrate my flag and I’m going to stand for the national anthem,” Brown said. “I’m fighting with all of my strength to make it a better country, but I don’t think that’s the issue.” Brown, 82, said he feels players have the right to express themselves, but doesn’t think it should be done during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Brown supported President DonFormer Cleveland Browns star Jim Brown said he wouldn’t “denigrate” the ald Trump in the 2016 election and also flag. sides with Trump’s stance on the anthem. knee when they should be standing proudly for Trump has repeatedly blasted protesting the national anthem,” Trump tweeted. “Numerplayers and repeated his criticisms after some ous players, from different teams, wanted to players took a knee during recent preseason show their ‘outrage’ at something that most of games. them are unable to define. They make a fortune “The NFL players are at it again – taking a
doing what they love.” Player protests during the anthem began after former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee to protest racial discrimination and police brutality. This past May, the NFL said it would prohibit demonstrations on the field but would allow protesting players to remain in the locker room during the anthem. The NFL Players Association filed a grievance, and the change has been tabled while the NFL and the union work on a resolution. Brown is considered one of the greatest running backs of all time. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965 and led the league in rushing yardage every year except 1962. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in seven seasons and established NFL single-season records in 1958 and 1963. He retired from football at age 30 to pursue an acting career, and appeared in such films as “The Dirty Dozen,” “100 Rifles” and “Three the Hard Way.”
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 16 | 2018
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
GIRLTREK ROAD TO SELMA-HOUSTON……..GirlTrek, the largest public grown to over 80 participating vendors and health providers offering attending health nonprofit for Black women and girls in the U.S., held a teach-in event here families important health related information, products and services as well as in Houston as part of its #RoadToSelma movement, taking its message of radical entertainment and school supplies. Attendees included event organizer Jeness self-care and healing on the road with a 12 month, 50-stop national wellness Sherrell, Trinell Davis, Yuri Pena, Desmine Allen, Hannah-Marie Adams, revival. In preparation for GirlTrek’s Summer of Selma (2019), co-founders Niyah Emerson, Denise Burgan, Charli Washington, Chelsea Lester, Milton T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison led a powerful event at the Buffalo Jenkins, Jamaica Lee, Malik Barnett and many others……..NABJ 2018 Soldiers National Museum where they trained women to become frontline health DETROIT……..A number of Houstonians attended the 2018 NABJ Annual activists. The event also included powerful storytelling of Convention held in Detroit. The venue for journalism women and healing and other self-care activities. Attendees Defender TOP EVENTS education, career development and networking drew More photos on defendernetwork.com included Jewel Bush, Onika Jervis, Lashona Malrey, over 3,000 leaders in journalism, media, technology, Adrianne Walker, Anika Rikondja, Asia and Jasmine business, activism, arts and entertainment, as well as Darby, Elandis Cashe, Munirah Olabisi, Karan Prince students. Participants enjoyed workshops, speakers, a and many more……..CHANGE HAPPENS 18th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S career fair and film screening of the new film “BlackkKlansman.” The starHEALTH DAY……..Change Happens’ Children’s Health Day, an annual studded list of attendees included Malcolm Nance, Tichina Arnold, Rev. event held in collaboration with Almeda Mall, attracted thousands of parents Jesse Jackson, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, Erica and Warryn Campbell, and children seeking information and resources to equip them for success Roland Martin, Mary Benton, Melanie Lawson, Cindy George, Brian throughout the new school year. Since 2001, the Children’s Health Day has Courtney Wilson, Isiah Carey and countless others.
Vanessa Garrison, T. Morgan Dixon
Katina Chimney, Talitha Baszile, Aria Newton, Ellisha Newton
Jeness Sherrell, Trinell Davis
Malik Barnett, Michelle McGlothen, Elren McGlothen
Malcolm Nance, Melanie Lawson
Roland Martin, Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell
Asia Darby, Jasmine Darby
Denise Burgan, Charli Washington
Tichina Arnold, Vicky Pink
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