Houston Defender: September 04, 2014

CENTERFOLD FREEDMEN’S TOWN SUPPORTERS FIGHT FOR BRICK STREETS, P8 defendernetwork.com

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NEWSTALK ROBBIE TOLAN receives new trial date

ZINA GARRISON

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NBC’s

NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA supports higher wages

BIG loser?

P4 OPINION HISD deception, disregard, disrespect

P12 TOP EVENTS

H PAGE 7

Don Lemon

Bo Porter

CNN’s Don Lemon has made a career of reporting major news stories. He recently spent time in Ferguson, Mo. covering the police shooting of Michael Brown. Discover lessons he learned about beliefs and objectivity. Read about his experience with the police.

After two years on the job, Bo Porter was dismissed as Astros manager, and the team said it had nothing to do with his winloss record. Find out why Porter is proud of his accomplishments as manager. Hear what the Astros have to say about needing a “new direction.”

H PAGE 6

H PAGE 11

covers Ferguson

JoeP, Yolande and Joe Palmore Sr. celebrate TV show’s new season

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014

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newstalk

Demolition begins on Wheatley/E.O. Smith

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he demolition of Fifth Ward’s historic Wheatley/E.O. Smith school building has started, and members of an organization dedicated to preserving the structure are

shocked.

Members of the Historic Wheatley/EO Smith Preservation Coalition left a meeting with HISD officials believing they reached a compromise in preserving the structure, located at 1700 Gregg.

The next morning, they were surprised to see that demolition had begun. There is now a massive hole in a side wall of the school. A second story classroom is now exposed and bricks are scattered.

“We don’t have any problems compromising

and negotiating,” said coalition member Dr. Jayne McCullough. “We want to do that, but we just don’t want you to blatantly disrespect us and lie.”

“We are outraged,” said Kathy Blueford-Daniels, another member of the coalition.

The campus was originally Wheatley High School and later became E.O. Smith Middle School and then the H.P. Carter Career Center, followed by the DeVry Advantage Academy.

HISD plans to demolish the current structure and use the property as part of the new Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy campus.

According to HISD School Board Trustee II Rhonda Skillern-Jones, the current structure cannot handle

any renovations needed to upgrade and sustain educational needs.

“It needs to be preserved,” said Debra Blacklocke-Sloan. “So many people walked through this building. That’s what this building is here for, so we can remember our past, remember our history.”

Supporters note that the demolition of the building was not made clear at the time HISD’s 2012 bond proposal was placed on the ballot.

HISD’s website says: “In December 2013, the Board of Education approved an additional $13.7 million to implement the alternate plan for the project to include the demolition of both the E.O. Smith and HP Carter facilities and the building of a new school.”

Tolan lawsuit trial date set A September 2015 trial date has been set for Robbie Tolan’s lawsuit against Bellaire police concerning a 2008 incident in which he was shot and seriously injured in his parents’ driveway.

“It has been a long journey,” Tolan told supporters outside the courthouse after the decision was announced.

He was accompanied by his lawyer, Benjamin Crump, who also represented Trayvon Martin’s family and now represents Michael Brown’s family.

A day earlier, dozens of people gathered outside the federal courthouse to demand justice for Tolan, who was unarmed when Officer Jeffrey Cotton shot him on New Year’s Day. In 2008, Tolan, then 23 years old, was shot by Cotton, a white Bellaire police officer. Cotton mistakenly be-

lieved Tolan was armed and driving a stolen vehicle.

In 2010, Cotton was found not guilty of a charge of aggravated assault by a public servant by a Harris County jury.

After the incident the family sued the City of Bellaire and the officers involved for civil rights violations, saying they were the victims of racial profiling. That lawsuit was thrown out in 2012 after Cotton’s attorneys successfully argued it should be dismissed.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals must revisit the case. The Supreme Court said that the civil lawsuit was unconstitutionally dismissed without adequately weighing evidence presented by Tolan.

Robbie Tolan (right) is joined by attorney Benjamin Crump and Ebony Thomas.

localbriefs THE TEXAS VOTER ID TRIAL recently began in Corpus Christi. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will hear arguments on one of the harshest voter ID laws in the country, which was signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry in 2011. The state’s Republican leaders say the law prevents voter fraud. Plaintiffs call it an attempt at suppressing minority voter turnout. The trial is expected to last two weeks with a decision handed down before the Nov. 4 state and U.S. congressional elections……..

TEXAS’ SCHOOL FINANCE SYSTEM was ruled unconstitutional by State District Judge John Dietz. In doing so Dietz reaffirmed his 2013 ruling

that the current funding mode is insufficient and inadequate. “The court finds that the Legislature has failed to meet its constitutional duty to suitably provide for Texas public schools because the school finance system is structured, operated and funded so that it cannot provide a constitutionally adequate education for all Texas schoolchildren,” wrote Dietz in his ruling. The next step is for the Texas Supreme Court to review Dietz’s ruling……...SUPPORTERS OF DEATH ROW INMATE Duane Buck continue to call for a new capital sentencing hearing despite a recent ruling. Judge Vanessa Gilmore of the U.S. District Court for the Southern

District of Texas rejected the appeal of Buck. In his appeal, Buck contended that his trial counsel were ineffective for knowingly relying on expert testimony that linked his race to his likelihood of future dangerousness. Gilmore concluded that Buck’s trial counsel “recklessly exposed his client to the risks of racial prejudice and introduced testimony that was contrary to his client’s interests” but found that Buck was not entitled to a new sentencing hearing because his attorney’s error constituted a “de minimis” violation of his rights. In legal terms, “de minimis” is defined as too trivial or minor to merit consideration.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014

national

U.S.briefs

Obama renews call for minimum wage hike

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resident Barack Obama said America needs a raise, and renewed his call for Congress to increase the minimum wage. Speaking in Milwaukee on Labor Day, Obama said more Americans are trying to make higher wages a reality.

“All across the country right now, there’s a national movement going on made up of fast food workers organizing to lift wages so they can provide for their families with pride and dignity,” Obama said.

“There is no denying a simple truth: America deserves a raise. Folks are doing very well on Wall Street, they’re doing very well in the corporate board rooms – give America a raise.”

Obama made the remarks during LaborFest, an end-of-summer parade and party sponsored by Milwaukee labor unions. He said the occasion was worth celebrating.

“We’re here to celebrate something that sometimes the American people take for granted –the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, a minimum wage, weekends like this one,” he said.

“All that didn’t happen by accident. It happened because America’s workers organized for it, fought for it. History shows that working families can get a fair shot in this country, but only if we’re willing to fight for it.”

Obama noted that it has been a year and a half since he first asked Congress to raise the minimum wage, and Republicans have blocked his request. He said America, however, is not giving up.

“This is why I stay optimistic, even with some of the nonsense that goes on in Washington,” Obama said. “You’ve seen business leaders at companies like The Gap that raised base wages for tens of thousands of workers because they knew it was good for business. You’ve seen mayors across the country doing their part.

“And you know what, here’s the best part. You’ll hear opponents say [a higher minimum wage is] going to kill jobs. Except it turns out, the states where the minimum wage has gone up this year had higher job growth than the states that didn’t raise the minimum wage.”

Young Black activists urged to step up NNPA News Service

During a rousing, standing-room-only town hall discussion in Washington, D.C. dedicated to the memory of Michael Brown, some speakers said more young people are needed to help fight injustice.

Jasiri X, a hip hop artist and activist, said he was concerned about the intergenerational divide that he observed during protests in Ferguson, Mo. “When night came and the young people had to face off against tanks, snipers and tear gas, they felt abandoned by the elder leadership,” he said.

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Jasiri said elders should support young leaders as they organize new groups to fight for social justice and political reform. He recalled that actor and activist Harry Belafonte met with hip hop artists last year to guide them in using their art to address mass incarceration and violence.

Ron Daniels, president of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century, called on young activists to take the lead.

“Those that are being most affected, those that are being stopped and frisked and shot down on the streets and harassed are young people,” Daniels said. “We need to step back, we need to step aside, we need to move over and let them speak.”

SOME 200 PROTESTORS in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio held signs and chanted outside a Wal-Mart where a young Black man with an air rifle was fatally shot by police.

The demonstrators called for justice in the Aug. 5 shooting of John Crawford III inside the store in Beavercreek, Ohio. Police responded after a caller said a man was waving a gun. They said Crawford refused orders to put down the rifle. An attorney representing Crawford’s family said surveillance video of the shooting shows it was unjustified. The two officers involved are white. A special grand jury will meet Sept. 22 to consider charges in the case……..A NEW LAW FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION students in Louisiana is making waves among parents, education officials and advocacy groups. The legislation, H.B. 1015, allows special education teachers to circumvent state standardized test requirements and assume sole authority to promote a student who has scored below proficiency, even up to granting a high school diploma.

After Gov. Bobby Jindal signed the bill into law over the summer, several education and disability advocacy organizations, including the Education Trust, the National Center for Learning Disabilities and Autism National Committee, objected. They contend that the law encourages lower expectations for special education students, and offers a detrimental illusion of achievement. Proponents, on the other hand, believe it evens the playing field of academic achievement while allowing students’ work to represent them, as opposed to a high-stakes exam score……HUNDREDS OF ITEMS that belonged to the late civil rights icon Rosa Parks recently sold for $4.5 million. The sale was made to a foundation run

by Howard G. Buffett, the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Part of the proceeds will go to Mrs. Parks’ relatives. The rest will go to the Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development in Detroit.

VOLUME 83 • NUMBER 44 SEPTEMBER 4, 2014 Print Editor Publisher Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Sports Editors Advertising/Client Relations Max Edison Selma Dodson Tyler Darrell K. Ardison Multimedia Coordinator Local Coordinator LaGloria Wheatfall Cierra Duncan Online Editor Interns ReShonda Billingsley Jazzi Black Art Director Michael Roman Tony Fernandez-Davila Velyjha Southern The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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Jackson Lee wants action taken on ISIS crisis Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the convening of an international summit is one of the steps that should be taken to address the “terrorist crisis” involving ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

The group, which used to be al Qaeda in Iraq, recently released a gruesome video in which a second American journalist, 31-year-old Steven Joel Sotloff, appears to be beheaded by the same masked jihadist who killed journalist James Foley two weeks ago.

Sotloff’s execution has intensified calls for President Obama to expand the U.S. military campaign against ISIS. Obama recently authorized the deployment of 350 additional soldiers to Iraq, but not in a combat role.

Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said Congress should be “called back now” to debate the crisis.

“Since the fall of Mosul in mid-June, Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities have been systematically targeted by the ISIS,” Jackson Lee said. “…There needs to be an international summit on Iraq convened immediately by the United States and its allies to devise a plan to defeat ISIS. This summit should include countries from the Middle East and Egypt.”

Jackson Lee said in addition to a summit, House committees that deal with protecting Americans should “work closely together to establish the right strategy for this situation in Iraq.”

She added that, “As the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus, I ask for a special focus using existing agencies in the U.N. and other agencies to provide for the safety of children [affected] and immediately get them to safe harbor with housing, food and medical care.”

Jackson Lee also addressed Iraq’s “increasingly beleaguered” Christian community.

“We must all now realize that genocide against Christians and other minorities is occurring in the region. In addition to acknowledging that genocide is taking place, we must also be mindful of the threat to our national security and we must protect the Americans we have in Erbil and Baghdad,” she said.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014

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entertainment

Don Lemon anchors conversation on Ferguson strong beliefs about this story on both sides. People supporting the officer felt Michael Brown NN’s Don Lemon did something wrong. Those has anchored and supporting Michael Brown said reported numerous the cop did something wrong. breaking news stories, There was very little that you including the George could do to convince either side Zimmerman trial, otherwise…It reconfirmed that the Boston marathon bombing and I have to be objective in my the Sandy Hook Elementary School reporting and allow viewers to shooting. read into it whatever they want.

He won an Edward R. Murrow So, the teachable moment for me award for his coverage of the capture was a reminder that I just have to of the Washington, D.C. snipers, and state the facts. an Emmy for a special report on real KW: Do you have any estate in Chicago. qualms about the Black Lemon earned a degree in community making Michael broadcast journalism from Brooklyn Brown the poster child for College, where he currently serves as police brutality, assuming Reporting from Ferguson, Mo., CNN anchor Don Lemon interviewed the attorney of Dorian Johnson, a key an adjunct professor. Here, he talks witness in the Michael Brown shooting. (Photo by Theo R. Welling). he had robbed a store and about CNN’s coverage of the recent roughed up its owner before his [Regarding the policeman] I got pushed by an shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. confrontation with Officer Wilson? officer live on television, but that was just me doing KW: Do you think your ability to report from DL: I can’t make people act or react a certain way. my job. He pushed me, so it wasn’t as if I’d injected Ferguson was adversely affected by your almost They’re going to do whatever they’re going to do. As myself into the story. We were standing where we’d becoming a part of the story like when you got shoved with any situation, I would just urge caution and that been instructed to stand, and he came around the by that cop or when rapper Talib Kweli put you in people reserve judgment until all the facts are out. corner and shoved me when I just happened to be the awkward position of having to defend CNN’s But I do know that, regardless of what happens doing a live shot on “The Situation Room.” I don’t coverage on the air? with Michael Brown, it’s important that we get to think that made me part of the story. It was more that DL: Well, I don’t know if I became part of the the truth. That doesn’t take away the distrust of the everyone was watching when news was breaking live story. I just think we had so many resources devoted police and the way certain people are treated by around me. to it that we were way ahead of the competition. So, them in our society. This has really opened up that KW: Were there any teachable moments for everyone tuned in to CNN, and they were watching line of conversation. So, if anything comes out of you as a journalist covering the aftermath of the us. [Regarding Kweli] I’m not the only one on the this, hopefully it’s a conversation that encourages shooting? air who’s been put in a position of defending our police departments around the country to look at DL: I think there’s always a lesson you can learn reporting. If someone comes on and criticizes it, we’re from any situation. In this case, I learned how tightly themselves and to figure out ways to serve their there to tell them the truth. communities better. people hold on to their beliefs. People had really

By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

C

what’sup RIHANNA is one of several celebrities who became a victims of a hacking scheme in which nude or near-nude images of the famous women were posted online. The images were apparently obtained from celebrities’ cell phones, and some of the images had been deleted. The FBI confirmed it was investigating the matter. “The FBI is aware of the allegations concerning computer intrusions and the unlawful release of material involving high profile individuals, and is addressing the matter,” said Laura Eimiller, a spokeswoman for the FBI in Los Angeles. “Any further comment would be inappropriate at this time,” she said…….. LAILA ALI, a boxing cham-

pion and daughter of MUHAMMAD ALI, will be one of the contributors on “We Need to Talk,” a CBS sports talk show debuting Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. The show brings together accomplished women who will share their knowledge and opinions about sports.

Other contributors include former pro tennis player KATRINA ADAMS and former WNBA star LISA LESLIE……..Co-host MICHAEL STRAHAN recently kicked off the 27th season of “Live with Kelly and Michael,” which has featured different hosts over the years. The new season’s guests include DENZEL WASHINGTON, OCTAVIA SPENCER and KERRY WASHINGTON……..ASHLEY JACK-

SON, the 15-year-old “love child” of REV. JESSE JACKSON, wants to be a star. The teenager said she sings, raps, writes music, acts and dances, and has released a song titled “Just Do Me.” Her mother, Dr. Karin Stanford, had a four-year affair with Jackson, and said she has no regrets about the relationship……..GABRIELLE UNION and DWYANE WADE were all smiles in photos taken during their recent wedding in Miami. Celebrity guests included KEVIN HART, CHRIS BOSH, RAY ALLEN, SHANE BATTIER and CARMELO and LA LA ANTHONY. Actress ESSENCE ATKINS, a close friend of Union’s, officiated the wedding.

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SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014 | DEFENDER

Garrison tackles weight on

‘The Biggest Loser’

A

s a former tennis star, Native Houstonian Zina Garrison is used to being a winner. Her goal now is to become a loser by dropping unwanted pounds – and emerging victorious – on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Glory Days.”

The reality show, which this season features 20 former athletes, premieres Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

Garrison, now 50, weighs 263 pounds. She began gaining weight in her 40s, due to not enough exercise and too many carbs. She realized a change was needed when her sister died last year after having a stroke and losing her speech.

She said she looks forward to losing the weight so she can dance and shop for cute jeans.

“I love to see people reach their dreams,” she said. “Now it is my time again.”

Garrison learned to play tennis on the courts of MacGregor Park. She won both the Wimbledon and U.S. Open junior titles and was ranked the world’s No. 1 junior player.

She went on to become a women’s singles runner-up at Wimbledon in 1990, a three-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion and women’s doubles gold medalist and singles bronze medalist at the

1988 Olympic Games.

After she retired from the court, she was a coach at the 2004 Olympics as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where both Venus and Serena Williams won gold medals.

She is currently the coach of Australian Open girls champion Taylor Townsend. Since 1993, thousands of Houston youngsters have been mentored at the Zina Garrison Tennis Academy (ZGA), a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop stars in the classroom, on the court and in the community.

As a contestant on “The Biggest Loser,” Garrison will work with four trainers. This season, contestants will receive a second chance at life on the show. Just when eliminated contestants think they are headed home, they will actually be whisked away to a secret location called “Comeback Canyon.”

There, they will undergo training and compete at a separate secret weekly weigh-in for the chance to return to the competition and a shot at “The Biggest Loser” title and the $250,000 grand prize.

In addition to Garrison, other contestants include Damien Woody, an NFL player for 12 years and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, who has seen his weight climb to 388 pounds. Another contestant, former WNBA player Vanessa Hayden, weighs 366 pounds.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014

centerfold

Members of the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition seek to save a part of Fourth Ward history.

Coalition fights to preserve brick streets

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long standing feud between Freedmen’s Town residents and the City of Houston was rehashed last summer when the city made an executive decision to restructure the brick streets in Fourth Ward despite the fact that the community is recognized as a historical district.

Recently, the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition held a town hall meeting to educate guests and discuss the issue concerning the fate of the historical streets in the community. The meeting was attended by community members and representatives of various organizations.

“It was my duty to be here, it was my calling,” said Elaine Tennerd. “Don’t leave our history behind. We owe it to our children.”

According to the City of Houston’s Department of Public Works’ spokesman, Alvin Wright, the century-old streets need to be restored, a process that involves removing the bricks from their original state and then returning the salvageable bricks to the streets, not only to improve the infrastructure but also for transportation purposes.

“They’re un-drivable; you can’t drive on the streets,” Wright said. “The subsoil has caused the bricks to become so unaligned that it is like riding on a rollercoaster sideways.”

Wright said the scope of the project has several purposes.

“One is to improve infrastructure [of] water lines and sewer line, and provide drain-ability for

stone water in the area as well too, and also make it more mobile. Mobility is a big issue. If you’re driving in the area in the streets, you don’t want your windows jumping off your car.”

The need for repairs is evident. However, the technique used to repair the streets is where the conflict stems from.

Wright said that during the process of restoration, some bricks will break, but the city will try to save as many bricks as possible.

“We want the project to go as smoothly as possible. We need the cooperation of the community to get this done,” Wright said.

The risk of destroying even some of the bricks is not worth it to coalition members. They believe preservation is the best way to salvage the bricks.

“The character of this community is in those bricks. Not many people are able to touch something that is over one hundred years old,” coalition member Priscilla Graham said to the crowd at the town hall meeting. “Those bricks were so well-constructed that they have stood the test of time.”

Coalition supporters insist that repairs can be made while keeping the bricks where they are currently located and utilities inlays can be placed under sidewalks.

“You don’t take the bricks out, you leave them in place,” said Catherine Roberts, co-founder of the B.H. Yates Museum and a coalition member.

“It’s a real treasure to have bricks…the bricks

FREEDMEN’S TOW

WON’T BA

By VELYJHA Defen

F

reedmen’s Town, Houston’s oldest Black community which is located in Fourth Ward, was once a mecca for freed slaves seeking to build a better life for themselves.

Residents of the area worked together to build the town from the ground up – literally.

In the post Civil War days, residents requested that the City of Houston build better streets in the town but were denied, so

are the defining element of the whole character of the district.”

Eric Skonberg, an engineering consultant with Trenchless Technology, agrees with Roberts.

“Ripping out the bricks isn’t necessary,” he said. “The sewer pipeline is in good enough shape and the technology is there.”

Wright said that Freedmen’s Town needs a new infrastructure to avoid disasters such as a sewer line collapsing or sinkholes. He believes that if preservation is chosen as the way to save the bricks, the City of Houston may have to pay for it later.

“There’s a consequence to come with every decision,” Wright said. “Now the question becomes, who will be responsible for that consequence when it occurs? When a major line collapses and breaks…then what? Who’s going to answer that question?”

Though the City of Houston has already been granted approval to restore the bricks, the Freedmen’s Town Coalition is still fighting for their history and

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Why preserve the 4th Ward streets?

• The Fourth Ward community’s history lies in the bricks. Since the early 20th century, the brick streets have been a highlight of the town.

• Freedmen’s town is a nationally registered historical district. The community is officially listed as a place worthy of being preserved.

• The bricks represent the devotion of the freed slaves that lived in Fourth Ward. Newly

freed slaves dedicated their time, labor, and money to improve the conditions of the streets after requests to revamp the streets were rejected by the City of Houston.

• Supporters say there are alternatives to the process of restoring the bricks and possibly damaging them. Advancements in technology have made it possible to install pipelines needed without destroying the bricks.

WN SUPPORTERS

CK DOWN

A SOUTHERN nder

residents took matters in their own hands. The community joined forces, paid $1 per brick and built their own brick streets.

Today, a century later, there are differences of opinion on how to preserve the streets, which are in need of repair.

Preservationists fear that a city plan to remove the bricks to fix piping underneath will ruin the original streets, which were built by hard work and sacrifice.

has created a petition to stop the contract in an effort to “save our streets.”

Dorris Ellis Robinson, president of coalition, said the group recently met with Mayor Annise Parker about the streets.

“Although the meeting with Mayor Parker was contentious, the coalition was able to gain a verbal stay from the mayor so that we can continue dialogue and engage in engineering, historical and archeological discussion,” Robinson said.

“A second meeting was held whereby the city’s public works department employees and the Mayor’s representative, Keith Wade, and the FTPC exchanged concerns and opportunities. A third meeting should be scheduled soon. Each group agreed to conduct further research before the next meeting.”

She said the coalition is still working toward a resolution to save a legacy that was paid for by freedmen in 1913. “This unique history of historical African patterns and the fortitude of the men and women who paid for their vision that was left for us is worthy to be saved.”

he Houston area for over 80 years

Help ‘save our streets.’ Here’s how...

1. Reach out to city councilmembers. The email addresses and phone numbers for each district’s council member can be found on the City of Houston website.

2. Consult with the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition to arrange a time to join them on a trip to City Hall to address the council.

3. Contact local leaders such as pastors and community activists, educate them on the issue, and encourage them to spread the word to their

organizations.

4. Utilize the power of social media and tweet, post and comment about the history of Freedmen’s Town and the current conflict at #SaveOurStreets.

5. Sign the petition. Visit www. thepetitionsite.com/406/297/406/preservation-of-andrews-and-wilson-brickstreets/#sign and fill out the required fields of the petition.

For more information, visit the Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition facebook page.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014

defendernetwork.com

opinion

HISD: Deception, disregard, disrespect

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ISD is a governmental entity with the responsibility of educating our children with OUR money.

We are taxpayers, and the school district is there to serve the needs of the people to provide a quality education for our children.

The preservation of the historic Wheatley/E.O. Smith school building on Gregg Street in Fifth Ward is what taxpayers want from HISD. A 2012, $1.89-billion bond program proposal was presented to the public with a list of improvements that included “partial replacement and general renovations to complement portions” of the Gregg building to accommodate changes to the Young Men’s College Prep campus.

Instead of complying with the promoted list, HISD determined that it would nullify the plan, ignoring the will of voters.

This was the beginning of the deception, disregard and disrespect. When you say one thing and do another, some interpret that as a misunderstanding, while others call it an outright lie.

On Aug. 18, a few HISD representatives met with the Historic Wheatley/Smith Preservation Coalition to inform the

group that the district had ALL the answers and didn’t plan on using the Gregg structure, built in 1929. And, furthermore, the HISD bond construction manager stated demolition would proceed as HISD had contracted by Aug. 31.

However, on Aug. 30, HISD invited coalition members for a walk-through of the building and announced that the

historic edifice was “structurally sound.” HISD Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones then presented a de-construction idea to “try to save its front [west] sector.” The coalition was told to allow time for Skillern-Jones to discuss the new concept with HISD administration.

But, on the very next day, Aug. 31, HISD contractors began demolition and continued extensive destruction of the north sectors of the building.

Huge bulldozers were spirited onto the premises within hours of the compromise meeting and approximately 25 percent of the historic structure has been reduced to rubble. When it resumed on the morning of Sept. 2, Skillern-Jones paced around the campus property in vain trying to speak to the contractor to halt demolition.

The contractor was aware of the pending compromise, but felt compelled to follow instructions from HISD administrators to whom he was beholding because HISD administration had given orders contrary to the Skillern-Jones announcement.

Failure to follow voter authorization, devaluation of HISD property, refusal to repurpose well-suited teachable space, disregard of pleas from informed residents, disrespect of an HISD trustee – all are dastardly results of deception, disregard and disrespect.

Doing more to prevent teen pregnancy

By KIMBERLY JOHNSON

Although the national teen birth rate is at a historic low, teen pregnancy remains a public health problem in Texas, which has the fourth highest teen birth rate in the nation.

This is more than a public health issue. Teen parenthood continues to be a leading cause of dropping out of high school.

Therefore, preventing teen pregnancy is critical to the economic viability of our communities.

Given advances in technology and information access, one might question why we are still losing this winnable battle against teen pregnancy. The reason is that there is no magic bullet to prevent teen pregnancy.

However, there are proven strategies that, when implemented together, can have a lasting impact on the reduction of teen pregnancy. Our challenge, then, is ensuring that these strategies reach the communities at highest risk for teen pregnancy.

Fortunately, successful strides against teen pregnancy have been made here in Houston. We want to highlight the incredible groundwork being laid in one of our local communities, Sunnyside.

In Sunnyside, as many as 1 in 10 teens have given birth.

When polled, more than 80 percent of Sunnyside adult residents

feel that an unplanned pregnancy makes a young person’s life more difficult. Adults also feel that it is not only the responsibility of parents but also schools, community organizations, churches and health centers.

Sunnyside is doing just that with a new community-wide campaign titled We Can Do More. The initiative puts proven teen pregnancy prevention strategies into the hands of residents through several venues, including schools, churches, health care centers and community-based organizations.

Led by the University of Texas Prevention Research Center at the UT Health Science Center in partnership with HISD, Baylor College of Medicine, Communities in Schools-Houston, Collaborative for Children, and the City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services, We Can Do More encourages everyone in the community to do more to prevent teen pregnancy.

Although it is still early in the campaign, Sunnyside has made progress in helping to prevent teen pregnancy. Worthing High School students now benefit from on-site quality health services, counseling and education.

The Baylor Teen Clinic at Worthing, which opened in 2013, meets the health care needs of all students. There is a commitment to open a similar clinic at Sterling High School this fall.

Through Communities in Schools, Worthing students receive

much needed counseling and case management services.

We Can Do More also involves adults in teen pregnancy prevention through “Families Doing More” workshops. In these workshops, adults learn practical tips to improve their communication with teens on topics such as healthy relationships and sex.

Similar workshops are being held at area churches. Mt. Vernon Baptist Church was the first church to host these workshops, and more churches are interested in participating.

For teens seeking health care services, area clinics are doing more to provide them with accurate information and education.

The Sunnyside Health Center will pilot education kiosks in their waiting area, and patients will have access to trained health educators on–site for additional support.

Sunnyside is paving the way for many other local communities to do what works for teen pregnancy prevention. This is just the beginning. More work is needed to ensure that these efforts are maintained.

We urge all adults to determine how you will do more for our teens. For more information about We Can Do More as well as helpful tips, visit www.wecandomore.org.

Kimberly Johnson, DrPH, is a faculty associate at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, and manager of the We Can Do More campaign.

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SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014 | DEFENDER 11

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Astros fire Porter, want ‘new direction’

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he Astros recently dismissed manager Bo Porter and bench coach Dave Trembley. Tom Lawless was named interim manager through the remainder of the 2014 season.

General Manager Jeff Luhnow made it clear that he thinks a new direction is needed.

"At the end of the day, it came down to me feeling like at this point going forward, a different leader in the clubhouse was in the best interest of the Astros," Luhnow said.

Porter had been the Astros' manager since the start of the 2013 season after serving as third-base coach of the Nationals.

Bo Porter was released as Astros manager after nearly two years on the job.

He went 110-190 in nearly two seasons on the job.

"I am proud of what we were able to ac"I want to thank the Astros organization for complish in Houston with an organization in giving me my first opportunity to manage [in] transition. I'm gratified we were able to bring Major League Baseball,” Porter said in a statesome excitement to this city as a result of our ment. “During my time in Houston I dedicated improvement from 2013 to 2014…The valuable myself to do everything I could to help this experience I gained with the Astros will be exorganization win, in the short-term and for the tremely beneficial in all my future endeavors." long-term.”

Luhnow said the decision to dismiss Porter

had nothing to do with the team's win-loss record. The Astros, after losing a club record 111 games last year, are on target to be one of baseball's most improved teams with a current record of 59-79.

"It was a difficult decision and one I didn't come to lightly," Luhnow said. "This is not regarding wins and losses at the big-league level. I take responsibility for the roster, I take responsibility for our baseball operations, which includes the staff and the clubhouse.

"I felt strongly that we need a new direction for the next phase of where we are for the Houston Astros. I do believe we've made a lot of progress in the last couple of years and we're moving towards our goal of being consistently competitive. “ Owner Jim Crane said in a statement that releasing Porter was not an easy decision to make.

“We wish Bo nothing but the best in the future,” Crane said. “Jeff has my full support moving forward. Our goal to bring a championship to Houston remains."

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014

sports

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Crennel designs Texan defense for success look at the people; I’m at the stage in my career where people are important,” he said. he Texans begin the 2014 season “We all want to win, but if you have good with a distinct air of optimism. There people and can work with good people that is an enhanced sense of urgency to makes the job easier in my mind. I just felt that purge the stench of last season’s this situation was a good situation. I felt that 2-14 record, the worst in the league. the people were good people and I would enjoy There’s a new coaching staff and a renewed emworking with them. That made it easy for me to phasis on toughness. come give it a shot.”

Bill O’Brien, the rookie head coach, brings For the Texans to have success in 2014, a no-nonsense approach to the franchise. He also Crennel will once again have to display his brings with him one mettle as one of the game’s of the most successful best defensive strategists. defendernetwork.com Despite the team’s 2013 and respected defensive minds in the NFL, record, Crennel liked what NFL gets tougher on domestic abuse defensive coordinator he saw on tape of the deRomeo Crennel. fensive effort.

Crennel brings 31 years of NFL experience “Everyone thinks when you are 2-14 that you to the table. He has been a coach on five Super are no good,” he said. “Your record is what it is, but Bowl championship teams, winning three times from what I saw on tape, I saw guys hustling, I saw with New England as defensive coordinator and guys giving effort and guys being in the game in the twice with the New York Giants as a defensive fourth quarter. That indicated to me that maybe they position coach. Along the way he has also had weren’t that far away. head coaching stints at Cleveland and Kansas “We have a challenge of coming in, trying to City. win games and quote ‘turning things around. I think “The Texans are getting an A-plus coach,” it’s a good challenge. I think we are up to it and are Jets head coach Rex Ryan said. “They’re also working hard at it.” getting an A-plus person and really a salt-of-theHard-hitting, second year safety D.J. Swearearth type of guy.” inger is keenly aware of the reputation of his new After taking a couple of years off foldefensive coordinator. lowing being fired as head coach of the Chiefs, Crennel explained his decision to come to Houston.

“When you look at the defense, you look at the organization, you

T

By MAX EDISON Defender

Romeo Crennel, the Texans’ new defensive coordinator, brings three decades of experience to the team.

“Coach Crennel is a great coach, a player’s coach, but he’s very demanding,” Swearinger said.

“You have to study and be on top of your playbook, because he demands that you be prepared at all times. We know his reputation for building great defenses, championship defenses and that’s our goal.”

J.J. Watt is convinced that with Crennel’s leadership, the Texan defense can be one of the league’s elite units and help the team reclaim its winning ways. “[Crennel’s] resume speaks for itself,” Watt said. “He has built dominating defenses, championship defenses. That’s our goal. We have the talent.

Our work ethic combined with his schemes will help us achieve our ultimate goal.”

The Texans have invested heavily on defensive talent in the first round of recent drafts. Kareem Jackson, Brian Cushing, Whitney Merciless, Watt and 2014 first overall draft choice Jadevon Clowney all give Crennel an impressive base of talent to work with.

Whatever success the Texans achieve in 2014, an improved defense designed by coordinator Crennel will be a major reason.

Safety D.J. Swearinger said Crennel’s players must be prepared.

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Defensive end J.J. Watt said Crennel will help the team win.

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sports

Class 6A football teams to watch

Connor Blumrick returns to where he began his high school career as a ninth grader. He’s no stranger to top college prospects Willie Williams (OL), JaColbie Butler (RB), Ryan hese are the signs of our time. For some of us, Deshotel (TE), Deonte Givens (DE) and Ronnie Fraser (DT). school used to begin after Labor Day and high Younger brother Jacob Blumrick (QB), a sophomore, is school football season didn’t start until a week or waiting in the wings. two later.

3. Manvel – Head coach Kirk Martin has 10 starters back A later generation saw school begin prior to and 11 players currently on his roster that have already been Labor Day and the high school football season crank up a offered Division I college football scholarships. D’Eriq King week later.

(QB), Gary Haynes (WR), Shane Jackson (LB), Deontay Fast forward to the 2014 Labor Day holiday, and both Anderson (DB) and Will Lockett (DB) will have their school and high school football season have already begun. coaches’ back.

The Defender 4. Westfield – Over has compiled a list of the past 10 years, Class 6A schools that Spring Westfield bear watching during has produced 132 the course of the new football players who high school football have signed college season. scholarships. Coach The University Corby Meekins will Interscholastic League continue that trend (UIL), the governing with the likes of body for high school Toby Weathersby sports in Texas public (OL) in the fold, secondary schools, along with talented created 6A (formerly juniors like Ed Class 5A) this year so Oliver (DL), Tyrie that six-man football Cleveland (WR) could be called and Dillon SterlingClass 1A. Cole. Other talented Class 6A is the players include Texas large-school Austin Opara (TE), Pearland head football coach Tony Heath hopes to guide the Oilers back to the classification including state title game.

Latevius Downs schools with a student (RB), Johmarco enrollment of 2,100 or above. Here’s a look at how they Kizzie (DB) and Tyrique Murray (DL). shape up.

5. Lamar – The Texans have a new mascot and a fairly new 1. Katy – The Tigers have reached the fourth round of the cast of characters (including transfer QB J.W. Ketchum) to playoffs every season but one since 2002. Katy has won four go with quality holdovers in Holton Hill (DB), Ronie Wesley state championships during the (RB), Trey Jones (DL), Ronald past 12 years and there’s every defendernetwork.com Collins (DL), Elijah Levy (LB), reason to believe they’ll contend Trey Duncan (DB) and Logan Top five Class 5A schools in the Houston area for another one this season.

Latin (DB).

This is especially true when you 6. North Shore – New head consider the Tigers were within coach Jon Kay is inheriting a perennial juggernaut that he is six minutes of winning the school’s eighth state football title very familiar with after 18 years of service under predecessor last December against Cedar Hill when they fell apart down David Aymond. Tristian Houston (RB), Tyler Moore (OL) and the stretch. Head coach Gary Joseph and standouts such as Dorance Armstrong (DE) are primed for big seasons.

Rodney Anderson (RB), Garrett Doiron (QB), Colin Wilder 7. Cy-Fair – Coach Ed Pustejovsky has younger replacements (DB), Kyle Porter (RB), Jovanni Stewart (DB), Jesse Brown to implement his stout defense and strong running game.

(NT), Joey Woodring (DE) and Tyler Whillock (LB) will see 8. Alief Taylor – Talented players all over the field bodes well to it that doesn’t happen again. for the Lions.

2. Pearland – Sixteen returning starters from a squad that 9. The Woodlands – Finding a suitable replacement for QB advanced to the Class 5A Division I state title game against Chris Andritsos is a must. eventual champion Allen gives head coach Tony Heath and 10. Dawson – RB Brett Winnegan is one of the best-kept his staff plenty to work with in 2014. Senior quarterback secrets in Texas.

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By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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sportsbriefs La Marque: Life in fast lane La Marque gets the nod as the favorite to claim the District 10-4A Division II title over HISD schools Worthing, Kashmere and Scarborough. In fact, some feel the Cougars have the inside track to advance to the regional crown with the return of its three-headed rushing attack that includes Ladarrian Ellis-Jones, Daequan Jones and Alan Cooper.

All three are talented and a threat to score each time they touch the ball. Transfer Jalen Williams (Bellaire) should solidify the quarterback position and enable the Coogs to go vertical when they need to pass. La Marque is eager to test the new 40-second rule in between plays. Previously, teams had 25 seconds to run a play after the ball was spotted by the officiating crew. Now the 40-second clock will start as soon as the preceding play is concluded. “We’re an up-tempo team that would rather run the ball than throw it,” said La Marque head coach Mike Jackson.

“We want to see how fast we can go and wear you down both mentally and physically with our tempo.

We’re kind of curious about the new rules with the play clock.”

Sanders leads Scarborough New head coach Ajani Sanders takes over at Scarborough after serving as secondary coach at Klein Collins for two seasons. Sanders played his college ball at Notre Dame under Lou Holtz. The Spartans return all-district defensive lineman Keldrick Suazo along with Titus Randle (DB), La’Jarvis Franklin (RB) and quarterback Devon Brumley. Sanders’ first order of business will be to snap Scarborough’s 46game losing streak.

NFL gets tougher on abuse The NFL recently implemented a significant new domestic violence initiative under its personal conduct policy that calls for a six-game suspension for a first offense and a lifetime ban from the league for a second offense. The move undoubtedly came from the heat NFL commissioner Roger Goodell received in the wake of the two-game suspension handed out to Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice in his domestic violence incident. The six-game suspension would be without pay and the length of the penalty could increase in these cases: an employee was involved in a prior incident before joining the NFL; violence involving a weapon; choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman; or in the presence of a child. The new guidelines are effective immediately.

Josh Gordon suspended In a move that surprised absolutely no one, the NFL upheld its yearlong suspension of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon. The former Houston Lamar standout and Pro Bowl wideout went through the appeal process, but the suspension was upheld. The suspension was for a failed marijuana test. It was his second known violation. Gordon said he inadvertently took codeine contained in a prescription cough syrup. Gordon, 23, established the Browns’ single-season franchise record with a league-leading 1,646 receiving yards last year, his second, despite serving a two-game drug suspension. During an incredible four-game stretch he had 36 receptions for 774 yards and five touchdowns.

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14

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014

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business

Choose the right location for your business

S

electing a business location is perhaps the most important decision a small business owner or startup will make, so it requires precise planning and research. It involves looking at demographics, assessing your supply chain, scoping the competition, staying on budget, understanding state laws and taxes, and much more.

Here are some tips from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help you choose the right location.

Determine your needs

Most businesses choose a location that provides exposure to customers. Additionally, there are less obvious factors and needs to consider, for example: Brand image – Is the location consistent with the image you want to maintain?

Competition – Are the businesses around you complementary or competing?

Local labor market – Does the area have potential employees? What will their commute be like?

Planning for future growth – If you anticipate further growth, look for a building that has extra space should you need it.

Proximity to suppliers – They need

to be able to find you easily as well.

Safety – Consider the crime rate.

Will employees feel safe alone in the building or walking to their vehicles?

Zoning regulations – These determine whether you can conduct your type of business in certain properties or locations. You can find out how property is zoned by contacting your local planning agency.

Evaluate your finances

Besides determining what you can afford, you will need to be aware of

Be prepared for a disaster Each year small businesses nationwide are forced to close their doors in the aftermath of severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes. Business interruptions, even if they last just a few hours, are costly in terms of lost productivity and profits.

You can get help with your business preparedness planning through a series of free webinars in September hosted by the SBA and Agility Recovery.

The half-hour webinars will be presented at 1 p.m. each Wednesday in September. Visit http://snurl.com/296yw4e to register for any or all of the following webinars: Sept. 10: How to Plan for a Power Interruption and Recover Fast – Tips on how to make your company resilient and better prepared to mitigate losses during power outages.

Sept. 17: The Top 5 Steps for Preparedness This Year – The top ways to prepare for disaster-related business interruptions will be discussed.

Sept. 24: If You Do Nothing Else This Year – Simple, lowcost tips on building a solid business continuity plan.

SBA has partnered with Agility Recovery to offer business continuity strategies through their “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to check out the archived webinars and for more disaster preparedness tools.

other financial considerations: Hidden costs – Very few spaces are business ready. Include costs such as renovation, decorating and IT system upgrades.

Taxes – What are the income and sales tax rates for your state? What about property taxes? Could you pay less in taxes by locating your business across a nearby state line?

Government economic incentives – Your business location can determine whether you qualify for government economic business programs, such as state-specific small business loans and other financial incentives.

Understanding laws and regulations imposed on businesses in a particular location is also essential.

As you look to grow your business, it can be advantageous to work with a small business specialist or counselor.

Check what programs and support your state government and local community offer to small businesses.

Many states offer online tools to help small business owners start up and succeed.

SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014 | DEFENDER

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

topevents

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LABOR DAY CLASSIC…..The 30th Annual Labor Day Classic Game John Stanford Jr. YWCPA Principal Delesa O’Dell Thomas said the featuring Texas Southern University vs. Prairie View A&M University event generated $100,000 in donations for a worthy cause. The academy was the official kickoff of HBCU sports in Houston. Aside from the Battle will produce its first graduating class this school year. Also present were of the Bands between the TSU Ocean of Soul and the PVAMU Marching Polly Turner, Judge Clarease Yates, HISD’s Caleen Allen, Sisters NetStorm, dignitaries, alumni and sports fans were out in force. Joining TSU work founder Karen Jackson, Faye Bryant, Dr. Mae Jemison, Demetria President John Rudley in his suite were PVAMU Jones, Reagan Flowers and Wash Allen…..HOUSTON POET…..JoeP, a local poet extraordinaire, had the spotPresident George Wright and his wife Valerie, Defender TOP EVENTS light at the Mosaic Club. All eyes were focused on his deTexas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp, More photos on defendernetwork.com but on TVOne ‘s season four of “Lexus Verses and Flow,” TSU board members Gene Lewis and Marilyn See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ a nationally televised entertainment program highlighting Rose, TSU Provost James Ward, State Sen. Rodwith Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. ney Ellis and his wife Licia, San Antonio Mayor rising poetic talent across the U.S. sprinkled with musical Ivy Taylor, City Councilman Dwight Boykins and performances from some of the hottest R&B artists. Smilhis wife Genora, and HISD board members Wanda Adams and Paula ing with pride was last year’s featured poet from Houston, SE7EN, who Harris…..YWCPA…..The Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy was excited to have a young poet follow in his footsteps. The entertainCircle of Friends held their inaugural reception on the 26th floor of the ment provided by T-Ray the violinist (Trenton Thomas) was outstanding.

Huntingdon in River Oaks. The honorary chairs were Mr. and Mrs. John The proudest guests in the audience were JoeP’s parents, Pastors Yolande Hofmeister, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Judy Foston and Dr. and Joe Palmore.

Chancellor John Sharp, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor and City Councilman Dwight Boykins

Lane Craft, Chita Johnson and State Rep. Harold Dutton

JoeP, Yolande and Joe Palmore Sr.

TSU President John Rudley, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, PVAMU President George Wright and Harry Johnson

Erica Lee, Karen Hofmeister and Polly Turner

Michelle Eunice and Brittany McCowan

TSU Provost James Ward and TSU Board Member Marilyn Rose

YWCPA Principal Delesa Thomas with students (l.to r.) Deronisha Arceneaux, Kelly Aparichi, Adariel Hunter, Laurin Sims and Victoria Cottledge

Two great poets, JoeP and Se7en

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T:9.75”

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S:9.25”

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 4 | 2014 defendernetwork.com

Driving to get her daily DQ ® fix, though you’re lactose intolerant.

Having all your daughter’s radio stations programmed.

Hearing her giggle when you say: Play episode “Natural Hair for Newbies.”

Loving your baby girl’s music and hating yourself for it.

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It might be your Fusion, but it’s on your daughter’s schedule.