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CARNEGIE VOLLEYBALL EMBRACES UNDERDOG ROLE, WINS BIG P9

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Volume 85 | Number 43 AUGUST 25, 2016 | FREE

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ENTERTAINMENT MARC LAMONT HILL writes about the vulnerable

P4 SPORTS

Brian Courtney Wilson

MICHAEL HAYWOOD strengthens TSU football

Kim Burrell Yolanda Adams

James Fortune

HOUSTON

GOSPEL STARS

FEATURE GEORGE CURRY iconic journalist dies

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James Douglas

Nonprofit promotes

NAACP Houston President James Douglas issued a call-to-action to the community in response to armed ‘White Lives Matter’ members protesting in front of NAACP Houston headquarters. Read how the organization plans to counter protesters.

Mona is the face of the #BankBlack movement, and the nonprofit BMe recently deposited $1 million in the country’s largest Black bank. Read how BMe hopes to inspire others while financially strengthening America’s Black communities.

counters protest

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banking Black

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P10 TOP EVENTS

Argentina James, Anna Maria Horsford and Mayor Sylvester Turner at Ensemble Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Gala

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 25 | 2016

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newstalk

NAACP denounces ‘White Lives Matter’ By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Members and supporters of NAACP Houston are calling on the Justice Department to investigate leaders of a group calling themselves White Lives Matter (WLM), who protested outside NAACP headquarters in historic Third Ward. Armed with assault rifles, bullet-proof vests and confederate flags, the handful of demonstrators chanted “White lives matter” and challenged the NAACP to hold Blacks in general, and the Black Lives Matter movement specifically, accountable for societal violence. "We came out here to protest against the NAACP and their failure in speaking out against the atrocities that organizations like Black Lives Members of White Lives Matter protested at the NAACP headquarters. Matter and other pro-Black organizations have NAACP Houston responded with a press caused the attack and killing of white police officers, conference, denouncing the protest. the burning down of cities and things of that nature," “While they criticized the NAACP for not WLM member Ken Reed said. denouncing a movement that has been productive

in bringing awareness to the racial disparity in this country they themselves espouse totally racist positions,” said local NAACP President James Douglas. Confirming Douglas’ assertion, one WLM demonstrator held a sign that read “14 words,” a reference to the most popular white supremacist slogan in the world: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children." Douglas said they identified two of the protesters as members of a group associated with the Aryan Nation, an ultra-white supremacist terrorist group. Kaleb Taylor, an activist and president of Texas Southern University’s Collegiate 100, joined counter-protesters seeking an open dialogue about race relations with WLM members. “As a Black person living in America in 2016, there are quite a few issues we have to deal with on a daily basis,” Taylor said. “The last thing we need is outright, overt racism from white supremacists. Unfortunately, that's what we encountered.”

TSU students named White House All-Stars Defender News Services

Two Texas Southern University students are now official HBCU All-Stars. Sekeia Wyatt, a third-year Thurgood Marshall School of Law student, and Kaleb Taylor, a political science major in his junior year, were recently selected as White House Initiative HBCU All-Stars for the 2016-2017 academic year. “I was excited to find out that I am one of two students from TSU to be accepted into this program,” said Taylor. “I’m really looking forward to interacting with like-minded individuals from other HBCUs in order to realize the purpose of the initiative – to seek

new partnerships and sources of funding for HBCUs, and methods for increasing our graduation and retention rates.” Wyatt and Taylor will serve as ambassadors for the initiative developed by the U.S. Department of Education. LaRence Snowden, TSU’s associate vice president of Development, along with Marsha Griggs, TMSL’s assistant dean of Academic Support and Bar Readiness, will serve as mentors for the Wyatt and Taylor. “Ms. Wyatt and Mr. Taylor are both deserving of this honor, and will most certainly live up to the responsibilities they are being called to fulfill,” Snowden said. TSU is one of only nine schools to have more than one All-Star for this academic year.

Kaleb Taylor and Sekeia Wyatt

localbriefs PARENTS SEEK AN APOLOGY from Harris County Sheriff deputies who forcefully crashed a teens’ back-to-school party based on dishonest information. Thirty-five North Shore High School freshmen athletes (mostly Black females) were ordered to the ground, face first, by deputies who received a call that 60 teens were brawling. Parents on hand and party-goers said no negative activities took place. “(Deputies) were pointing (Tasers) at us cursing, telling us to shut the ‘f’ up,” Taylor Allen said. The incident occurred in the 100 block of Wickhamford Way in northeast Harris County…….. H-E-B AND THE UT MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER are launching a

campaign to create a future free from cancer. From now until Sept. 13, H-E-B customers will have the opportunity to make $1, $3 and $5 donations at the check-out stand to help end cancer. “Too many of our customers, H-E-B Partners and communities have been affected by cancer,” said Winell Herron, Group Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. Thus, H-E-B is giving 100 percent of funds raised at all 370 H-E-B stores in support of MD Anderson potentially lifesaving medical research.”…….. THE NORTHERN THIRD WARD CONSORTIUM, a coalition of nonprofits including Change Happens and Project

Row Houses, received a $100,000 planning grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to develop a resident-driven revitalization plan for Northern Third Ward, the 2.57 square miles area bounded by U.S. 59 to the west, I-45 (north), Cullen Street (east) and Blodgett Street (south). “The work of the Northern Third Ward Neighborhood Planning Project will be conducted through an open and transparent process. The resulting plan will reflect the voice of the community,” said Helen Stagg, senior director of Change Happens. “The Wells Fargo Foundation shares in our vision to create a plan that will ensure equitable development in the Northern Third Ward.”

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AUGUST 25 | 2016 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs LOUISIANA FACES A FLOODINDUCED housing crisis and its biggest housing crunch since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina with an estimated 40,000 homes damaged by flooding in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas. The flooding left at least 13 people dead, though more than 60,000 have been rescued. A least 106,000 have registered for federal disaster assistance. Because thousands will need temporary homes, FEMA is lining up rental properties for those left homeless and considering using temporary housing units, different, FEMA officials say, from those used after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that had toxic levels of formaldehyde. President Obama visited the area on Tuesday……... THE JUSTICE DEPT. PLEDGES to end using private prisons, a move counted as a victory by prison reform advocates. “They simply do not provide the same level of correctional services, programs, and resources; they do not save substantially on costs; and…they do not maintain the same level of safety and security,” Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates wrote in a memo. Though prison reform advocates celebrated the news, they cautioned that over half of all the nation’s incarcerated reside in state-run prisons.……..THE WAGE GAP HITS BLACK WOMEN hardest according to a report released by the National Women’s Law Center. Based on today’s wage gap, an African-American woman starting her career now will lose, on average, $877,480 over a 40-year career. In six states, AfricanAmerican women will lose more than $1 million over this period. “African-American women shouldn’t need to work more than 66 years to earn what a white man earns in 40 years,” said Emily Martin, NWLC vice president for workplace justice. “If we don’t act now to ensure equal pay, for many women of color, the cost of the lifetime wage gap will surpass a million dollars. We literally can’t afford to ignore this.”

Nonprofit puts $1 million in largest Black bank

Defender News Services

he nonprofit BMe Community, a supporter of the #BankBlack movement, is putting its money where its mouth is by depositing $1 million in OneUnited located in Boston, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank. BMe Community, a national network dedicated to strengthening communities with the help of Black men, chose to redirect $1 million of its deposits into OneUnited and inspire other organizations and individuals to #BankBlack. “When you try to get folks positively engaged in their communities and you think about building up the assets of the community, then it only makes sense that groups that say they care about the Black community also bank Black,” Trabian Shorters, the CEO of BMe, said regarding BMe’s willingness to “lead by example.” Both BMe and OneUnited hope to encourage the entire community to move its money and its mindset toward collective economics, as well as build wealth. “I think this #BankBlack movement is about

more than us moving our money; it is about us moving our minds or just sort of opening up our minds to appreciating the power of our $1.2 trillion in spending power, and for us to start connecting with each other and using our money in a more purposeful way,” said Teri Williams, president and chief operating officer of OneUnited. Williams added that of that $1.2 trillion spending power, the Black community spends only about two percent on itself. “We’re spending our money elsewhere, we’re building wealth for other people, and this whole movement to bank Black, buy Black, is really to get us to start recognizing that we can build wealth in our community with our own dollars,” she said. “There is $300 billion that [is] spent every year by charities, by philanthropies that typically focus on young people and communities and things that are associated with Black folks,” Shorters said. “If they just put some of their money on deposit with a Black bank, that could infuse a billion dollars into our community, and it doesn’t even change any of our operating costs.”

Powell says Clinton trying to pin emails on him VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 43 AUGUST 25, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

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

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

Defender News Services

Colin Powell said Hillary Clinton's campaign is using him to justify her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. The Democratic presidential nominee reportedly told FBI investigators that Powell, another former secretary of state, recommended she use a private email account. Clinton allegedly discussed email practices with her predecessor during a dinner after she became the top U.S. diplomat in 2009. Powell responded by telling the New York Post that Clinton was using her private email long before their meeting.

"The truth is she was using it for a year before I sent her a memo telling her what I did [during my term as secretary of state]," he said. "Her people have been trying to pin it on me." According to the forthcoming book, “Man of the World: The Further Endeavors of Bill Clinton," during a dinner party with several former secretaries of state hosted by Madeleine Albright, another former secretary of state, she asked them to share advice for the then incoming secretary, Hillary Clinton. "Powell told [Clinton] to use her own email, as he had done, except for classified communications, which he had sent and received via a state Department computer," he added.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 25| 2016

entertainment

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Marc Lamont Hill

writes about America’s ‘vulnerable’

By KAM WILLIAMS Contributing Writer

arc Lamont Hill is one of America's leading intellectual voices. He is currently the host of BET News and “VH1 Live,” as well as a political contributor on CNN. Hill has received prestigious awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, to name a few. He holds a PhD with distinction from the University of Pennsylvania and serves on the faculty of Morehouse College as its distinguished professor of African-American studies. Here, he talks about his new book, "Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond." Kam Williams: I really enjoyed the book. What inspired you to write it? Marc Lamont Hill: It started with the death of Michael Brown. When I got to Ferguson to cover the funeral and the aftermath of the shooting for BET News, I found more than I expected. I realized that there was so much more to the story than what was being represented in the news. It was deeper than [Police Officer] Darren Wilson and Mike Brown. It was also about all these other factors that made Mike Brown nobody long before he ever walked onto Canfield Drive the day of the shooting. I really just intended to tell the story of Ferguson, but then Daniel Pantaleo was not indicted for killing Eric Garner, Tamir Rice

was killed, then Freddie Gray was killed that spring and Walter Scott was shot in the back. And Sandra Bland was killed. Before I knew it, there was a whole range of stories. So, I decided to tell a story about state violence and about how there's a deeper war on the vulnerable that's being prosecuted everywhere that allows state violence to occur in the first place. KW: Do you think video games and gangsta' rap might have contributed to the image of the Black male as

Marc Lamont Hill

violent and dangerous, perhaps causing cops to have an itchy trigger finger around them? MLH: Video games don't help, rap music doesn't help, and news outlets running B-roll footage of Black people being violent doesn't help, but I think there's a deeper cultural problem that we need to wrestle with. There has never been a moment, since the birth of white supremacy, when we didn't think Black people were violent. KW: I'm also concerned about situations like the city of Flint, where corrupt politicians were all too willing to commit crimes and ruin children's lives by covering up the fact that the water was contaminated with lead. How many other Flints do you think might be out there right now? MLH: These are acts of civil evil. These are crimes that only happen when you're poor, or Black, or Brown or severely disenfranchised. This is not just about people making mistakes or being indifferent. There's a system installed that allows this to happen. KW: What is wrong with simply saying “All lives matter?” MLH: It's fundamentally dishonest. It suggests that people asserting that Black Lives Matter are somehow indifferent to the lives of others. It's not that white lives don't matter. White lives aren't being erased by the state in the same way. So, the declaration that Black Lives Matter is about spotlighting a particular need, not about diminishing the significance and value of other needs. It's imperative that we articulate as loudly as possible that Black Lives Matter, too, because if we don't, no one else will. KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be? MLH: Justice.

what’sup ZENDAYA landed the role as Mary Jane Watson in the new Spider Man movie to the delight of many, but to the ire of others. The former Disney Channel star landed the coveted role as Peter Parker’s longtime love interest in a move consistent with Marvel Comic’s attempts to diversity its characters. There has, however, been negative backlash on social media, with some arguing only a white actress should play Mary Jane……..BILL COSBY’S attorney dropped him as a client, becoming the second member of Cosby’s legal team to do so over the past year. High-powered attorney Monique Pressley had represented Cosby since his legal troubles arose

over a year ago. Cosby is charged with drugging and sexually assaulting Pennsylvania woman Andrea Constand in 2004. Sixty women claim Cosby sexually assaulted them.…….. TYRA BANKS will be teaching a course for MBA students on how to brand themselves with a focus on social media and communication. According to Fashionista, “Project You: Building and Extending your Personal Brand” is run by management professor and former producer Allison Kluger, who asked Banks to sign on as a co-lecturer after seeing the supermodel speak at an event for the university’s Stanford Women in Business organization. By the end of the

semester, 25 business grad students will have created their own personal brand, learn how to master on-air appearances and how to use Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook to market themselves and their businesses.…….. AL ROKER went viral as he challenged “Today Show” Olympic coverage co-host Billy Bush for stating that swimmer RYAN LOCHTE merely embellished the story Lochte told authorities of being robbed at gunpoint. Roker adamantly responded, “He lied to you, he lied to MATT LAUER, he lied to his mom…He left his teammates hanging while he skedaddled. There was no robbery, there was no pull-over. He lied.”

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AUGUST 25 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Support your staff with education, development One way to grow your business is to help your staff get the education and training they need to improve and be better employees. Here are some tips from the SBA. Pay for work-related courses – You can pay for the cost of any education and training that is work related. This benefit is fully tax-deductible by the company and tax-free to employees as a “working condition fringe benefit.” A working condition fringe benefit is a payment that if, made by the employee, would be personally deductible by him or her. In the case of education, it’s deductible as long as it maintains or improves job skills and does not lead to a new trade or business. Pay for education – You can create an education assistance plan to help employees in a more limited way. This plan can reimburse employees for their education costs, whether or not job-related. Tax-free reimbursement is capped at $5,250 per year per employee. The payments can be used for tuition and fees, as well as for books, equipment, and supplies.

If reimbursements exceed this dollar limit, the additional amounts are treated as taxable wages unless they qualify as a working condition fringe benefit explained earlier. Again, amounts paid by the company are fully deductible. A word of caution: The plan cannot favor highly-compensated employees and can’t provide more than five percent of its benefits annually for shareholders and owners. Reward graduates – Even if you don’t pay

for any part of an employee’s education, you can take note of the accomplishment by giving the graduate a promotion and a raise if appropriate. Rewards of this nature can be motivational. From an employer perspective, rewarding an employee who achieves a higher education level is a way to retain him/her with the company. Without tangible recognition in the form of a higher pay grade, the employee may seek employment elsewhere where compensation reflects the person’s education. Provide on-site training – A higher education degree may not be what’s needed by workers in your company. Job training to keep up with technology, learn sales techniques or improve safety at the workplace is beneficial to employees and your business. Job training helps your staff adapt to changes in the workplace, operate more safely and efficiently and achieve increased job satisfaction. Today, on-site training can be done through online courses or bringing trainers in-house. The cost of this training is fully tax deductible by your company.

DEFENDER | AUGUST 25 | 2016

Houston seeks industry crown

cente

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

and Dr. Bobby Jones, founder and host of Bobby Jones Gospel (2011); Charley Humbard, founder & CEO UPtv and Don Jackson, hile jazz traces its origins to New chairman & CEO of Central City Productions, Orleans and the Mississippi Delta Inc. Stellar Awards (2012); Richard Smallwood, is considered the birthplace of Congressman John Lewis, and Bill Hearn (2013); the Blues, gospel music has no Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Senator definitive home. But the Gospel Music Heritage Blanche Lincoln (2014); and Andrae Month Foundation is working to claim that Crouch, Pastor Shirley Caesar and crown for Houston. Rev. Jesse Jackson (2015). With Gospel Music Heritage Month Among this year’s honorees just days away, the entire genre of music is singer Donnie McClurkin. The has Houston to thank for its growing event will be held on Sept. 12 in national celebration and appreciation. Washington D.C., and is the first of “Gospel music has two annual Foundation events. always been at the Gospel music heart of this country; a roots run deep into the soothing force during foundation of America. difficult times,” Its sound, soul and said Carl Davis, spirit have inspired a gospel music some of the biggest advocate and names in secular music Carl Davis leader behind the such as Al Green, establishment Alan Jackson, Aretha of Gospel Music Heritage Month Franklin, Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly, Foundation. Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Little The foundation was Richard, Mariah Carey, Marvin established in 2008 Gaye, Randy Travis, Ray to celebrate and Charles, Sam Cooke and educate people Whitney Houston. everywhere Such artists have about the borrowed gospel rich heritage from the pews Ernest Walker of the genre of churches and through word transported it to and song. That the stages of many nations, breaking cultural, same year, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee religious and geographical boundaries with a (D-TX) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) message that ignites faith, love and hope. led the passing of a bipartisan resolution in both Houston brags of its many past and present chambers declaring September as “Gospel Music contributors to the growth of gospel, including Heritage Month.” but not limited to Adams, Kim Burrell, James Since its establishment, local and global Fortune, and Brian Courtney Wilson, who have celebrations have been held to educate and each made their mark upon the world of gospel. entertain diverse audiences about gospel’s The late Hanq Neal was a local product history. with a national reputation as a gospel singer, None of those celebrations, however, musician and choir director. outshine the foundation’s “Evolution of Gospel,” “The heritage of gospel music is an art a star-studded event that tells the story of gospel through narration and song, beginning with the Middle Passage, and winding through the influences of gospel icons like Thomas Dorsey, Walter Hawkins and others. The annual event includes performances Date: Friday, Sept 28@ 7 pm by the nation’s top traditional and contemporary Event: The Evolution of Gospel gospel artists. Additionally, the foundation Location: Metropolitan Christian Methodist honors individuals whose work and devotion Episcopal Church, 8955 South Freeway to gospel music have resulted in world-wide @ Reed Rd exposure of the art form. Honorees: Charles Tyrone, Nevarro Daniels, Past honorees include Cathy Hughes, Lydia Alston, and Marilyn Bolton-Grant chairperson and founder of Radio One, Inc.

GOSPEL HERITAGE form and world treasure that we all should celebrate,” said Stellar Award and GMA Dove award-winning gospel singer Wilson, who makes his home in Houston. Houston’s longest-running gospel music line-up of shows can be heard on Sundays on KTSU-FM. Rev. Charles Hudson, the station’s gospel programming director, serves as the DJ for KTSU’s “Afternoon Inspirations,” and as a local historian on all things gospel. “Houston’s gospel music scene has grown tremendously over the years,” said Hudson. “Not only do our listeners love it, but 3 p.m. to

GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH FOUNDATION CELEBRATIONS Date: Sunday, Sept 30 @ 7 pm Event: Dr. Theola Booker Memorial Gospel Fest Location: Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church, 14919 S. Main *Note: Dr. Booker was a founding board member of the Foundation

6 pm on Sunday afternoons is my favorite time of the week.” Hudson’s show airs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, closing out the station’s half day of gospel music. KTSU’s “Sunday Morning Worship Drive (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and “Songs of Praise” (10 a.m. to 1 pm.) make way for one of the station’s newest members to the KTSU gospel team, award-winning gospel artist Burrell, who hosts the show “Bridging the Gap” (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.), which precedes Hudson’s show. Ernest Walker, a music industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in business, production, entertainment, and fundraising, was named KTSU’s general manager in March. “I have a deep and abiding respect for gospel music, and feel blessed to head a station that’s top rated programs are from that genre,” said Walker, the foundation’s vice chair, and president and CEO of Walker Entertainment Group. Visit www.gospelmusicheritage.org for more information.

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Did you know?

L MUSIC E MONTH

Numerous artists have played a role in the rich history of gospel music. The Fisk Jubilee Singers inspired early groups such the Fairfield Four, Dixie Hummingbirds, Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, Five Blind Boys of Alabama, the Soul Stirrers and others. Legendary solo artists include: Thomas A. Dorsey (1899-1993) was known as the “Father of Gospel Music" and was at one time so closely associated with the field that songs written in the new style were sometimes known as "Dorseys." He combined Christian praise songs with Mahalia Jackson was known for her powerful contralto voice. jazz and blues rhythms to Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous create what became gospel “I Have a Dream” speech. music. Dorsey is best known for his Rev. James Cleveland (1931-1991) songs "Take My Hand, Precious Lord” was a singer, musician and composer and “Peace in the Valley.” known as the “King of Gospel Music.” Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972), the “Queen of Gospel," was one of the most He incorporated traditional Black gospel, modern soul, pop and jazz influential gospel singers in the world in arrangements for mass choirs. and a civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte His background included serving as minister of music for Detroit’s Dr. C. L. as "the single most powerful Black Franklin, the father of Aretha Franklin. woman in the United States,” recording over 30 albums during her career. At the Cleveland founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He was the first March on Washington in 1963, Jackson gospel artist to receive a Hollywood sang "How I Got Over" and "I Been Walk of Fame star. 'Buked and I Been Scorned" before Dr.

Houston’s gospel stars Yolanda Adams

James Fortune

he Houston area for over 85 years

Yolanda Adams – The Grammy Award-winning Houston native has sold 4.5 million albums since 1991 in the United States and nearly 8 million albums worldwide, and was named the No. 1 gospel artist of the last decade by Billboard Magazine. Kim Burrell – The native Houstonian calls her musical style jazz gospel, and is an influential voice. She is a Grammy nominee and Stellar Award-winner. She founded the Love & Liberty Fellowship Pentecostal Overcoming Holy Church. James Fortune – The Richmond, Texas native is a Grammynominated artist and former choir director at Higher Dimension Church. Fortune and his choir FIYA (Free in Yahweh's Abundance) incorporate hip-hop arrangements and urban beats. Brian Courtney Wilson – Along with winning Stellar and GMA Dove awards, Wilson has been nominated for a Grammy and a Billboard Music Award since coming on the gospel scene in 2009. He is a native of Chicago who relocated to Houston.

Kim Burrell

Brian Courtney Wilson

DEFENDER | AUGUST 25 | 2016

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sports

New beginning, new coach for TSU Tigers

By MAX EDISION Defender

hese have been lean times for the Texas Southern University football program. With a 12-31 record over the past four years change was inevitable. The Tigers have made that change in the form of hiring new head coach Michael Haywood. He has established himself as a coach with the ability to turnaround football programs. TSU is hoping he can revive their anemic program and make them relevant again. Haywood, a Houston native and St. Thomas High School graduate, is no stranger to football turnarounds. As head coach at Miami of Ohio in 2009 he posted a 1-11 record in his first season. However, the recruiting dynamo assembled an exceptional class, and by year two finished 8-4 and defeated Northern Illinois in the Mid-American Conference championship game. He was named Mid-American Coach of the Year. With assistant coaching stints at Notre Dame, Texas and LSU, Haywood knows what it takes to motivate student-athletes and build a

Michael Haywood is in his first season as TSU head football coach.

program we have here.” In addition, Haywood wants the Tigers to be physical. “We want to go out and compete in each game for 60 minutes," he said. "I think our guys came back in better shape than we anticipated. In order for us to be successful we must go out and be a physically dominant football team. We teach it every day, being physically dominant for 60 minutes.” Haywood has discovered the TSU cupboards are not bare. The Tigers return six starters on offense and seven defensively. Offensively, the Tigers will be Receiver Derrick Griffin (No. 80) is also a threat on the basketball court. tasked with finding creative ways to get the ball in the hands of their successful program. playmaker, 6-foot-7, 230-pound “We want to take the football program here wide receiver Derrick Griffin. An All-Conference at Texas Southern University to the next level,” performer as a freshman in 2015, Griffin had Haywood said. 709 yards receiving on just 36 receptions and 10 “I want our football program to be structured touchdowns. around student-athletes that display outstanding Griffin also walked away with all of the top character, a strong work ethic, and are postseason SWAC basketball honors last season, disciplined so that we can send the message but insists his best sport is football. around the country of what a magnificent The TSU team has high hopes for redshirt junior quarterback Jay Christophe. In addition to Griffin, Austin Watts and Larry Clark III project to be Christophe’s top receiving targets. A pair of talented junior running backs in Darrell Robinson and Roshard Burney, along with sophomore Brad Woodard, will be counted on to balance the offense. Jalil Mathis-Ellis will anchor an improving offensive line. On defense, the Tigers will hang their hats on a veteran group of linebackers. Jarius Moore is a speedy, instinctual headhunter. Jamal Lucas was the statistical leader in tackles last season. Zach Bamijoko is known for having a nose for the football. Mark Wheeler III, Devin Williams, Derrick Lyles and Damond King will lead a defensive line rotation. In the secondary Archie Rice, Dondre Dobbins, Demetrious Johnson and Ryhean McMorris will form a speedy, hard-hitting group.

Linebacker Jarius Moore (No. 33) is another star player for the Tigers.

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AUGUST 25 | 2016 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

Golf

sportsbriefs Golf tournament set The 2016 Annual Labor Day Classic Golf Tournament will take place Friday, Sept. 2, at Southwyck Golf Course in Pearland. The annual event draws additional hype for the annual Labor Day Classic, which will be hosted for the first time by Prairie View A&M University on its campus at the new state-of-the art athletic complex. The golf tournament benefits the PVAMU Athletic Department’s initiatives. There are various sponsorship levels, ranging from gold title sponsor to hole sponsor. Registration is at 7 a.m. and there is an 8 a.m. shotgun start. There are still spaces available. The entry fee includes a golf cart, green fees and range balls, breakfast and lunch, and a curb-side bag drop service. Visit www.pvpanthers.com for more information.

Top 10 HBCUs listed

Carnegie Vanguard High School players proudly displayed their medals.

Carnegie wins HISD volleyball tournament coming in and already doing a great job. She’s an allaround solid player,” Terry said. “She gets it done.” Junior libero Helen Pu and senior middle hitter he odds didn’t appear to be in her team’s Akyla Nicholas were also selected all-tournament for favor. their contributions to Carnegie’s first HISD volleyball Second-year Carnegie Vanguard High tournament title. Sophomore Mekenzie Primm is School head volleyball coach Miyuki another key player that Terry counts on. Terry was missing four key players going into “Akyla has been doing a great job for us. She’s the championship match of the HISD volleyball been on varsity all four years,” Terry said. “Helen tournament against Heights High School (formerly does a great job of passing for us and she’s been on Reagan HS). That may varsity all of her years at have been a daunting the school. task for many coaches. defendernetwork.com “Mekenzie is one of Hail to the Find out how Chavez HS fared in the girls who wasn’t here HISD tournament underdog! but she’s a strong outside The Rhinos clawed hitter,” Terry said. out a 2-0 sweep of On the way to the HISD volleyball Heights to capture the school’s and Terry’s first championship Carnegie defeated Sharpstown, Jeff HISD volleyball tournament championship at Barnett Davis, Chavez and Heights. Fieldhouse. “This means everything to us,” Terry said. “We played hard and went back to the ABCs of “It’s so early in the season and it gives the girls volleyball,” Terry said. “We just took it back to the confidence for the rest of the season.” basics. Carnegie competes in District 18-6A along “Everybody on the team plays an instrumental with Bellaire, Lamar, Westside, Westbury, Chavez, role and we were down four players. We had people Heights and Sam Houston. The Rhinos finished that filled shoes today. They came up and showed fourth in the district a year ago to secure the final out,” Terry said. playoff berth. Carnegie freshman Gierra Cottingham was “I’m hoping for a winning season. We’re aiming selected all-tournament and Most Valuable Player for for first place but we want to finish better than we her superb play in the HISD Tournament. did last year,” Terry said. “We got fourth place in “Gierra is brand new to our school and she’s district last year. We want to finish higher this year.”

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

The website boxtorow.com, which specializes in HBCU sports, has listed its preseason/coaches top 10 football poll. The SWAC has five representatives in the top 10. The North Carolina A&T Aggies, who defeated Alcorn State 41-34 in the inaugural Celebration Bowl last season, are ranked No. 1. Bethune-Cookman is ranked No. 2 followed by SWAC back-to-back champion Alcorn State (No. 3). North Carolina Central comes in at No. 4, followed by SWAC West rivals Grambling (No. 5) and Prairie View A&M (No. 6). Rounding out the top 10 are South Carolina State (No. 7), Alabama State (No. 8), Southern (No. 9) and Hampton (No. 10)

New stadium opens Clear Creek ISD’s Challenger Columbia Stadium will host its first high school football game when annual playoff qualifier Clear Springs takes on perennial state championship contender Pearland on Friday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. The 10,000-seat facility first opened its doors in late April when it hosted the Region III-6A track and field meet. The state-of-the-art venue gives Clear Creek ISD a second football stadium along with venerable District Stadium. Challenger Columbia Stadium will also host a mustsee matchup between Friendswood and Clear Springs on Oct. 28. Marquee quarterbacks Tyler Page (Friendswood) and Will McBride (Clear Springs) will lead their respective teams in that one.

North Shore changes North Shore won the 2015 Class 6A Division I state football championship after competing for most of the last decade against La Porte, Deer Park, Port Arthur Memorial and Beaumont West Brook in district play. Due to the UIL bi-annual re-alignment, the defending state champs will begin a new journey as part of District 21-6A along with Atascocita, Kingwood, Summer Creek, Baytown Sterling, Channelview, C.E. King and Goose Creek Memorial. North Shore head coach Jon Kay will have to replace 14 starters and 37 lettermen. Bryant Badie becomes the fulltime starter at quarterback after starting three games last season. K’Lavon Chaisson (DE) is a standout on defense. Humble ISD’s Class 6A schools (Atascocita, Kingwood and Summer Creek) return to Region III following six years in Region II where they were grouped with the Conroe ISD schools for four years and the Spring/Klein schools for two years.

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DEFENDER | AUGUST 25 | 2016

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Ellis receives national leadership award Houston State Sen. Rodney Ellis was one of four leaders selected to receive the 2016 Leadership Award by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). Ellis was honored during the 13th Annual National Leadership Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. The other honorees were Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Cigna Corporation executive Michael Triplett and Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers. The award is designed to spotlight honorees’ achievements, and thank them for their leadership qualities and for demonstrating the core values aligned with NFBPA’s mission and goals. “NFBPA recognizes there are exceptional public servants, State Sen. Rodney Ellis and those who support the work “The National Leadership Awards Program is of those in the public sector, who an opportunity to honor those shining beacons.” demonstrate desire, determination and dedication Ellis was elected to the Texas Senate in 1990. as they continue the great work that our forbearers He has been a leader in the areas of economic started many years ago,” said Bruce T. Moore, development, education, civil rights, responsible president of the NFBPA board of directors.

environmental policy, middleclass tax cuts, and criminal justice issues, having passed more than 630 bills. He is a member of the Senate State Affairs, Business & Commerce, and Transportation committees. In past sessions, he chaired the Senate Finance, Jurisprudence, Intergovernmental Relations, Government Organization, and Open Government committees. Before his election to the Texas Senate, Ellis served on the Houston City Council and was chief of staff to the late Congressman Mickey Leland. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University, a master’s degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from the UT School of Law. Ellis recently won the Democratic Party nomination to run for the Precinct 1 County Commissioner seat vacated by the late Commissioner El Franco Lee’s death.

Noted journalist George Curry dead at 69 Defender News Services

drug ring. In May 1996, Emerge published a cover story titled "Kemba's Nightmare." President Bill Clinton pardoned Smith in December 2000. When he died Curry was raising money to fully fund Emerge News Online, a digital version of the former paper magazine. His survivors include a son, sister and granddaughter.

classified REQUEST FOR BIDS

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 2016 Banner Pole Replacement PROJECT #16-590.800-01

The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for replacement of banner poles in downtown Houston, Texas. Bids will be received until 10:00 AM, local time on Friday September 02, 2016, at the Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Ste. 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Questions concerning bids must be submitted prior to 5:00 PM on Friday, August 26, 2016, by email to: joe@downtowndistrict.org. Answers to questions will be sent to all contractors who picked up a bid package. Bid packages can be picked up at 909 Fannin, Suite 1650 beginning on August 22, 2016. T:4.79”

LEGAL NOTICE

These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon:

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10/26/16

4/24/17

1692

$2 Set For Life - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.36

10/26/16

4/24/17

1780

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10/26/16

4/24/17

1625

Mega Slots - Overall Odds are 1 in 4.09

10/26/16

4/24/17

For detailed odds and game information, visit txlottery.org or call 1-800-375-6886. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. The Texas Lottery supports Texas education and veterans. © 2016 Texas Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.

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Pioneering civil rights and political journalist George E. Curry, named the “dean of Black press columnists” because of his riveting weekly commentary in Black newspapers across the country – including the The late George Curry Defender – died of Steele and Curry heart failure on Aug. grew up together in 20. He was 69. Tuscaloosa, Ala. where "This is a tragic Curry bloomed as a civil loss to the movement rights and sportswriter because George Curry as Steele grew into a was a journalist who politician and civil rights paid special attention leader. to civil rights because Curry began his he lived it and loved journalism career at Sports it," said Dr. Bernard Illustrated, followed by the Lafayette, chairman St. Louis Post Dispatch of the Southern and Chicago Tribune. He Christian Leadership is perhaps best known Conference. Curry's connection for his editorship of the former Emerge Magazine, to the SCLC was leading that entity to win through his longtime more than 40 national childhood friend, journalism awards. confidante and ally More recently, Curry in civil rights, Dr. was celebrated for his Charles Steele, SCLC work as editor-in-chief for president. the National Newspaper

Publishers Association (NNPA), a federation of more than 200 African-American newspapers, from 2000-2007 and again from 2012 until last year. “Millions of African people all over the world had come to know George Curry as a fearless scholar and writer who used his pen and wit to aggressively advance the cause of freedom, justice and equality for Black people and for the whole of humanity,” said NNPA President Dr. Benjamin Chavis. Though Curry appeared on nearly every major news show, and travelled the globe pursuing his craft, he was most proud of his fouryear campaign, while running Emerge, to win the release of Kemba Smith, a 22-year-old woman who was given a mandatory sentence of nearly 24 years in prison for her minor role in a

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AUGUST 25 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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

topevents

ENSEMBLE GALA……..The Ensemble Theatre held its 40th Anniversary Black to experience high-quality African-inspired garments from talented international Tie Gala at the Hilton Americas-Houston. The event was organized to recognize designers. In addition to foreign designers, the bustling venue also showcased artists, companies and individuals whose support enables the Ensemble to be one garments made by several Houston designers. Attendees included Krystal Jackson, of Houston’s most coveted cultural treasures. The gala also serves as the theater’s Thomas Fitch, Rahyma Awanife, Chioma Osibodu, Uju Odumodu, Darlene most profitable fundraiser. The gala held a mayor’s reception and auction with Spiller, Adia Dightmar, Lauren Hollingsworth, Fanta Celah, Xoli Nhau and a Mayor Sylvester Turner. Guests were treated to live entertainment by the Yvonne host of local fashionistas and designers……..TEEN HOUSTON BRUNCH…….. Washington band. Honorees at the gala included Louis Gossett Teen Houston held a back-to-school brunch at Davis Street at Jr., Angela Robinson, Harry Lennix, Anna Maria Horsford, Defender TOP EVENTS Hermann Park. The brunch was hosted by “The Session TV Show” C. J. Emmons, Mildred Bright and Willie Bright. Corporate host Kia Renee. Teen Houston is a program dedicated to educating More photos on defendernetwork.com partners receiving awards were Houston First Corporation and empowering kids to be successful. The program also has a and Metro. In attendance at the gala were Dr. Austin Lane, 30-minute segment on “The Session TV Show” that covers topics Deborah Duncan, Rev. Drs. Yolande and Joe Palmore, Tony Glover, Janiece such as education, cyber bullying, teen pregnancy and peer pressure. During the Longoria, Paula McCann-Harris, John Rolfe, Argentina James, Alaina Benford brunch, Renee gave out backpacks sponsored by Community Health Choice to kids and families. Attendees included Dezmond Tanner, Khalil Torain, Annette Clarke, and a host of others……..ZUVAA POP UP TOUR……..Zuvaa held a pop up tour at the Gallery. The pop up shop showcased African-inspired items from the Zuvaa Michael Jefferson, Crystal Hamilton, Roxanne Stewart and many community Marketplace. The Zuvaa pop up shops are an opportunity for people around the world children and their families.

Angela Robinson, Mildred Bright, Willie Bright

Harry Lennix, Anna Maria Horsford, Paula McCann-Harris, John Rolfe

Krystal Jackson, Thomas Fitch

Darlene Spiller, Adia Dightmar, Lauren Hollingsworth

Dezmond Tanner, Annette Clarke, Khalil Torain

Roxanne Stewart, Crystal Hamilton, Kia Renee, Michael Jefferson

Argentina James, Anna Maria Horsford, Mayor Sylvester Turner

Chioma Osibodu, Uju Odumodu

Kia Renee, Michael Jefferson

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T:9.75 in DEFENDER | AUGUST 25 | 2016

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America’s Got Talent available on XFINITY TV app.

Mic drop. The XFINITY X1 Voice Remote – search by titles, actors, genres, even some of your favorite quotes. Plus, get personalized recommendations, watch and record up to six shows at once with X1 DVR, and take your DVR library anywhere, on any device, and watch even when you’re offline. Also, explore the Black Film & TV collection on XFINITY On Demand to quickly find the movies, TV shows and music you love. X1 will change the way you experience TV.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved. NBCU celebrity endorsement not implied. All networks are divisions of NBCUniversal. © NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved.