Issuu

NATIONAL

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS UNFOLDS IN HURRICANE-STRICKEN BAHAMAS P3

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Volume 88 | Number 45 SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 |FREE

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NEWSTALK MARSHA E. MURRAY Office of Business Opportunity interim director

H.S. ZONE RONALD HOFF moves Katy football forward

FEATURE

Black community impacted by prosecutor shortage?

NAOMI OSAKA class act after U.S. Open win

H PAGE 8

P10 TOP EVENTS

Dr. Wanda Mott, Michelle Riley Brown, Dr. Michelle Lyn at the Defender State of Black Women reception.

P11

ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Jadeveon Clowney

The national best-selling author and managing editor for the Defender just released her 50th book, “More to Life.” She talks about her remarkable life as one of the country’s top African-American authors, lessons learned along the way, and how she manages to live her dreams. H PAGE 6

The 2019 NFL season is upon us and with that comes an array of questions as the defending AFC South champion Texans get set to open a wildly uncertain campaign. Among those questions, what will happen now that Clowney is gone. Find out the three things to watch.

celebrates 50th book

traded by Texans

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H PAGE 8

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019

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newstalk

Black women display ‘the Power of Us’ said.

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

“She was a tough woman who always believed tomorrow would be bethe Houston-area women ter than today and because of her labor, who recently gathered for sacrifice, tears, struggles and signing the the State of Black Women loan papers for me to go to law school, I Power Hour were remindam standing here today as the mayor of ed time and time again that the fourth largest city in this country.” “there is power in this room.” Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford The event included the unveiling of thanked those in attendance for helping upcoming SOBW programs, introducher make history. tions of SOBW founders and partners “I want everyone in here to give and remarks by special guests. The yourselves a hand,” Ford said. “It is only Power Hour was sponsored by Texas because of everyone in here that I was Children’s Hospital, Barbara Jordan able to become the first African-AmeriInstitute of Policy at Texas Southern can mayor of Missouri City. There [are University, Defender Network and people here] who stepped in and supHillDay Public Relations. ported me from day one…” The SOBW is comprised of conCongresswoman Sheila sciously aware women who are using Jackson Lee said she was Upcoming events their platforms, influence and stories to “thrilled” at the enormity and Great Debate Watch Party – Thursmake a difference. The vision of SOBW power of Black women across day, Sept. 12, Ensemble Theatre, 3535 is to be a resource for personal and the nation. Main St. Kicks off with 5 p.m. Legislaprofessional growth through develop“Let it be known that you tive Wrap and Presidential Candidates ment of the Black Women’s Agenda, a are just beginning,” Jackson Round-up. Watch party begins at 7 roadmap to address such pressing issues Lee said. “I say that not negap.m. Sponsored by Texas Black Legislaas health disparities, economic prosperState of Black Women founders Argentina James, Carla tively because I know that there tive Caucus and Defender Network. Brailey and Sonny Messiah-Jiles welcome Michelle Rileyity and political representation. are many of you who have ‍Health Issues Impacting Black Women Brown, executive vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital, Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah-Jiles, De- an SOBW partner. been on the battlefield and you & Their Families Forum – Friday, Sept. fender publisher and CEO and an SOBW have your own businesses and 20, Texas Southern University. Pre-refounder, noted that many of the women non-profits. What I’m saying ception begins at 6 p.m. and program ahead of them.” present were advisors who attended a is that the convergence by the begins at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Texas Mayor Sylvester Turner acroundtable this past March. power of Black women has yet Children’s Hospital and Pavilion for “Through your wisdom as advisors, we outlined the Black knowledged the “powerful, influento be seen… Women. tial” women present. Woman’s Agenda,” Messiah-Jiles said. “I thank you for your “Throw out politics State of Black Women Summit – FriTurner said that as mayor he has time, effort and participation. Today we are unveiling a new and talk about power. Power day, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, surrounded himself with outstandmovement, “the Power of Us.” changes the coloration and George R. Brown Convention Center. ing African-American women in his Representing the event sponsor was Michelle Riley configuration of the legislative For more information on SOBW events Brown, Executive Vice President of Texas Children’s Hospital, administration, including those who process that puts money in our and to see the list of advisors visit www. attended the Power Hour. He paid who stated, “ We have partnered for many years to provide pockets, not illegally, empowthesobw.com tribute to his late mother as well. information and education around children’s health to families ers us in business, not illegally, “On an occasion like this, I alin our community. I believe the reason why this partnership helps our children, helps our seways want to give credit to a woman works so seamlessly is because these organizations truly value niors and recognizes that white who didn’t graduate from high school, the communities we serve…..What we need at Texas Chilsupremacy, nationalism and who never learned how to drive, but I always want to give dren’s, are like-minded women like you to help us ensure that racism will not stand. When Black women are heard things can credit to my mom who raised nine kids by herself,” Turner our patients, no matter their background, have a healthy future change and move.”

Office of Business Opportunity interim director named Defender News Services

Marsha E. Murray, an attorney and longtime City of Houston executive staff member, has been appointed interim director of the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). She replaces Carlecia Wright, who resigned to pursue a position in the private sector. Murray is currently chief administrative officer for the City of Houston’s Legal Department. She served as the OBO’s deputy director from 2012 to March of this year. While at OBO, Murray played an instrumental role in the department’s growth and led comprehensive operational changes and policy

updates. She led the expansion of OBO’s services to facilitate free legal assistance and guidance for Houston’s small business community conducting business globally. Prior to joining the City of Houston, Murray served as legal counsel to New York City government for 10 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish from Colgate University and a law degree from Villanova University School of Law. “Marsha Murray’s experience and success working with the business community is the kind of leadership the Office of Business Opportunity needs to continue providing economic opportunity and workforce inclusion in the city of Houston,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Marsha E. Murray

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SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs A FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULED THAT THE FAMILIES of nine people shot to death in a Black South Carolina church in 2015 can sue the U.S. government for negligence. Convicted gunman Dylann Roof, who had previously been arrested on a drug charge, “should not have been allowed to purchase the gun he allegedly used that evening,” James Comey, who was FBI director at the time, said of the June 17 shooting. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with Comey and overturned a lower court’s ruling that protected the government. Roof, a white supremacist, was attending a Bible study meeting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston when he opened fire on the church. He was sentenced to death in January 2017. Comey said Roof was only able to purchase the Glock 41 semiautomatic pistol he used because of lapses in the FBI’s criminal background check system………AT LEAST 13 BLACK CHILDREN AND TEENS HAVE DIED due to gun violence in St. Louis in the last five months.Rewards totaling $100,000 have been offered to try and solve the mysteries surrounding the children’s deaths. The latest shooting occurred on Aug. 25 when a 15-year-old was found shot in the head by officers who responded to a missing person report. Officials are offering four $25,000 rewards for information on a child under 10 who was shot and killed through Sept. 1……..DAYS AFTER THE FIRING OF OFFICER Daniel Pantaleo in the chokehold death of Eric Garner, New York police are making fewer arrests for minor crimes, due in large part to a directive from the police union to proceed with “the utmost caution.” NYC police made 1,319 fewer arrests in a recent week than they did the same time period last year. One official admitted the decision not to make those arrests is sending a message about Pantaleo.

VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 45 SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler

Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers

Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison

Editors ReShonda Tate Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For digital subscriptions, visit www.DefenderNetwork.com/ subscribe. No paper subscriptions are available. All material covered by 2019 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

Humanitarian crisis unfolds in hurricane-stricken Bahamas Associated Press

Practically parking over the Bahamas for a day and a half, Hurricane Dorian put a beating on the island in a watery onslaught that devastated thousands of homes, trapped people in attics and crippled hospitals. At least five deaths were reported, with the full extent of the damage far from clear. The United Hurricane Dorian has wreaked havoc on the Bahamas and its residents. Nations and the International Red We don’t want people thinking we’ve forgotten Cross began mobilizing to deal with the unfolding them.” humanitarian crisis in the wake of the most powAhead of the storm, over twow million people erful hurricane on record ever to hit the Bahamas. in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina Dorian’s punishing winds and torrential were warned to evacuate as Dorian closed in on rain battered the islands of Abaco and Grand the Sunshine State on a projected track expected Bahama, which have a combined population of to take it up the Southeast coast. about 70,000 and are known for their marinas, While the threat of a direct hit on Florida had golf courses and all-inclusive resorts. The Grand all but vanished, the storm was expected to pass Bahama airport was under 6 feet of water. dangerously close to South Carolina and perhaps Bahamian officials received a “tremendous” strike North Carolina, according to the National number of calls from people in flooded homes, Hurricane Center. and desperate callers trying to find loved ones In the Bahamas, Red Cross spokesman Matleft messages with local radio stations. thew Cochrane said more than 13,000 houses, or One station said it got reports of a 5-monthabout 45 percent of the homes in Grand Bahama old baby stranded on a roof and a woman with six and Abaco, were believed to have been severely grandchildren who cut a hole in a roof to escape damaged or destroyed. U.N. officials said more rising floodwaters. At least two storm shelters than 60,000 people on the hard-hit islands will need flooded. The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted at least food, and the Red Cross said some 62,000 will need 21 people injured on Abaco. Rescuers also used clean drinking water. jet skis to reach some people. The Red Cross authorized a half-million dol“We will confirm what the real situation is on lars for the first wave of disaster relief, Cochrane the ground,” Health Minister Duane Sands said. said. “We are hoping and praying that the loss of life is “What we are hearing lends credence to the limited.” fact that this has been a catastrophic storm and a Tammy Mitchell of the Bahamas’ National catastrophic impact,” he said. Emergency Management Agency told ZNS BahaAcross the stricken islands, choppy brown mas radio station that authorities had documented floodwaters reached roofs and the tops of palm every call and were prioritizing them, but that trees. Parliament member Iram Lewis said he rescue crews were forced to turn back in some feared waters would keep rising and stranded cases because the wind was so fierce and the people would lose contact with officials as their water so high. cellphone batteries died. “We understand what everybody was going “It is scary,” he said, adding that people were through,” she said. “We wanted to go out there moving from one shelter to another as floodwaters ... but that’s not a risk we’re capable of taking. kept surging. “We’re definitely in dire straits.”

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SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019 | DEFENDER

entertainment

ReShonda Tate Billingsley releases 50th book for her book, “Say Amen, years. I’m a workaholic Again.” but I’m learning that I Billingsley and best-selling don’t need to be so busy he number 50 marks a milestone author Victoria Christopher making a living that I forfor Defender Managing Editor Murray have co-written several get to live. Whether that’s ReShonda Tate Billingsley in more books and are co-founders of spending time with loved ways than one. The national bestthe publishing company, Brown ones, family, friends, or selling author just released her 50th Girls Books. just by yourself curled book, “More to Life.” She is also In addition to her literup with a good book, we celebrating her 50th birthday on Sept. 7. ary success, Billingsley is an all need to learn to push Billingsley attributes her remarkable life to accomplished journalist. She “pause.” her faith in God and the support of her family, worked as a reporter for the Defender: Is there friends and fans. National Enquirer and as an a goal as an author you She began her literary journey in 2001 by anchor and reporter for NBC, haven’t reached? establishing her own publishing company and ABC and Fox TV stations in Tate Billingsley: As releasing her debut novel, “My Brother’s Keeper.” Beaumont, Oklahoma City and long as I’m on top of The novel was picked up and re-released by Simon Houston. this soil, there will be a & Schuster/Pocket Books and she remains one of The former Langston Unigoal I have not reached. the country’s top African-American authors. versity professor describes herI am blessed to be doing Two of her books have been made into movself as a “Houstonian by way something that I love but ies, including “Let the Church Say Amen,” which there is always room to of Arkansas.” She is a graduate was directed by actress Regina King and produced of Madison High School and do more. My hope is that by Bishop T.D. Jakes and Queen Latifah. Billingas I continue to grow as earned a B.A. in Journalism sley made her on-screen movie debut in the film, a writer, I will be able to from the University of Texas. which was one of BET’s highest rated original move into producing and She is an active member of Alprograms. Her book, “The pha Kappa developing my own films. Secret She Kept” was adapted Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack In fact, my business partner and I are in the midst “More to Life” into a film on TVOne. Re& Jill of America. She is the of bringing our book, “If Only for One Night” to is available wherever books are sold Shonda has been nominated mother of three children, Mya, film ourselves. Visit the author at for an NAACP Image Award Morgan and Myles. Defender: What is your secret to balancing ReShondaTateBillingsley.com for Outstanding Literature In a Q&A with the Defendmotherhood and a multi-faceted career? several times, and won the er, she discussed her personal Tate Billingsley: I once wanted to write a book coveted award and professional lives. called “You Can Have It All.” I never got around Defender: What is your 50th book about and to finishing that book because I realized that you why is it special? can’t have it all. That’s not to say you can’t hold Tate Billingsley: “More to Life” is about a down several jobs, have a family, a social life, a woman who seemingly has it all – a great huschurch life, etc. But at some point, something will band, successful kids, money and all its trapgive. Most often it’s us. Our desire to “have it all” pings – and yet, feels like is killing us. I’ve learned something is missing. She to find balance by cutting realizes it’s because she’s myself some slack. My kids DefenderNetwork.com not walking in her purpose might have to have Oreos ReShonda gets personal, offers or living her passion. She’s instead of homemade cookadvice to aspiring writers and lists her so busy giving to everyies, and I’m okay with that. top 10 books one else, making sure her I also don’t believe in idle husband and kids are taken time. I utilize every spare care of that she’s lost herself. It is fiction, but it’s moment and I believe that every minute you spend a story so many women can relate to. And on some talking about something you don’t have time to do levels, it’s the most personal story I’ve ever done could be spent doing it. and comes at a time in my life when I’m coming Defender: Have you already started on your out of major storms. 51st book? If so, what will it be about? Defender: As you reach the mid-century Tate Billingsley: My 51st book is done and mark, what is the most important lesson with my publisher. It is called “The Stolen Daughyou’ve learned in life? ter.” It’s a ripped-from-the-headlines story about Tate Billingsley: It is important to a young woman who is caring for her mother who follow your dreams – not your parent’s has dementia, then discovers she was kidnapped dreams, not your mate’s dreams, but your at birth. Her biological parents want the kidnapdreams. There’s a quote that I have in the per punished, but how can she turn her back on book that says, “Life is for the living, not the woman who raised her? It’s out next year. Like the existing.” I am a firm believer of that most of my books, look for the flavor of Houston and it’s a lesson that I’ve learned over the all throughout the story.

By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019

Harris County pro

What it means for th

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

aying they are understaffed and all criminal cases (usually drug cases) are underfunded, the Harris County plea-bargained down. District Attorney’s office is “Plea-bargaining means you don’t continuing its fight for more even try the case,” he said. “You just admit staffers, and now, it has an ally guilt for a lesser sentence. And the research in the form of data from Texas shows that if you don’t admit guilt and you Southern University. actually go to trial, you have New research from the a greater likelihood of having Center for Justice Research your case thrown out. (CJR) shows there is indeed “Those who are unable a shortage of prosecutors in to post bail may be jailed the DA’s office, which could for extended periods of time negatively affect communiprior to trial. As a result, ties of color. these individuals may be “Researchers argue that more willing to accept a plea overworked, understaffed bargain, regardless of their prosecutors are more likely innocence.” to plea- bargain. They are less likely to adequately be THE DA’S FIGHT able to process cases,” said Harris County DA Kim Dr. Howard Henderson, Ogg welcomed the report, director of the CJR, which which was the result of Ogg’s conducted the study. request back in February for “You see direct impact DA Kim Ogg 102 more prosecutors. on the community. We unCiting high caseloads derstand that not being able in felony and misdemeanor to go to trial has a negative trial bureaus, Ogg asked impact on a lot of members county commissioners for of the community.” $21 million to fund the new The 20-page report expositions, a move that drew amined caseloads, funding, pushback from criminal and available resources to justice reformers questioning find that, when compared to whether more prosecutors other large jurisdictions, the would lead to more prosecuHarris County DA’s Office tions. is overburdened, underOgg argued that wasn’t funded and understaffed the case, and that more staff and at least 100 prosecutors would instead help her office short. figure out more quickly which “We have a situation in cases should be dismissed or Harris County now where diverted. they basically don’t have Dr. Howard Henderson “That’s a grossly shalenough courts,” Henderson low approach to a problem that is actually said. controlled by population,” Ogg said. “The “So, when you add more prosecutors problem is crime. It’s a math problem. When to that, you’re looking at how this issue you have four and a half million people in a quadruples and it increases the strain on county and you’re only staffed for 2 million, an already strained system. If you don’t do the community is less safe and that we are anything about it, poor and minority comless able to help as many people as quickly munities will continue to be disproportionas we could with more people. My premise ately treated in the system.” This is especially important, Henderson is that it takes people to help people.” Ogg said her office files over 100,000 said, because of the fact that 85 percent of

Report findings

w Harris County has only 45 percent of th total number of prosecutors of Cook Cou Ill., and 89 percent of Maricopa County, A w Harris County prosecutors have one of the highest felony caseloads, yet they hav fewer misdemeanor cases than similarly situated prosecutor offices. w Despite being the third largest U.S. coun Harris County’s 703 full-time employees make it the smallest staffed office of the largest seven counties. w Harris County’s prosecutor office receiv $19.12 per capita funding, significantly low than other comparable counties.

cases a year, too much for the current staff load. “Those all reflect cases against people, who are either victims or accused and each case has to be considered individually. We only have 335 lawyers. The ability of our people is delayed and I think justice delayed is justice denied,” she said. “More people would allow us to look at our cases more thoroughly early on, instead of the six months to several years that it takes to get these cases to trial and so that we could reach better resolutions more quickly.” Commissioners have, so far, refused to greenlight the hires. They did add a handful of civil rights and environ-

where people spen resolution of their “A lot of wha its size,” Henders its criminal justic cases does not me

defendernetwork.com • Servin

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osecutor shortage

he Black community

he unty, Ariz.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office requested 102 prosecutors at a recent press conference.

nty,

ved wer

mental crimes prosecutors but have yet to settle the question as to how many prosecutors the county needs and whether that requires more hiring.

EASING THE BURDEN

Overburdened and underresourced prosecutors, Henderson said, can lead to a less efficient criminal justice system nd more time behind bars awaiting the r cases. at Harris County deals with is because of son said. “And for some reason or the other, ce system and its mechanism for processing easure up to other equally situated cities

around the country. “We concluded that Harris County is just not funding the District Attorney’s Office the same way it’s funded in other places and they spent a lot of time trying to explain why they don’t do that.” But experts cautioned against making comparisons between prosecutor offices in different counties, which may have different tasks, different local political landscapes and different crime rates. “There is sufficient variety in how jurisdictions staff cases, how they administratively count cases and how they structure workflow from police input to prosecutor decision-making that it is exceedingly difficult to compare,” University of Texas School of Law Professor Jennifer Laurin said. Significant trial delays increase in-case processing time, and excessive use of plea bargains are just some of the consequences Americans must face due to overworked pros-

ng the Houston area for over 88 years

ecutors. The minority community bears the brunt of these consequences as Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to face conviction due to a criminal justice system that often disparages those unable to afford effective representation. Despite having 2,400 district attorneys in this country, no one has sought to determine the average number of hours it takes to process a case through the district attorney’s office in the last 40 years. Even fewer have conducted a simple comparison of prosecutor budgets, caseloads and staff. “It’s not just a matter of hiring more prosecutors,” Henderson added. “DA’s offices also must consider the costs associated with the additional courtroom work group that will need to be included in the augmentations. At the same time, critics of this approach must provide substantiated alternatives after comparing equally situated prosecutor offices. “At the end of the day, reducing prosecutor caseloads is not just about funding, but about ensuring that constitutional protections are afforded to everyone,” he said.

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019 defendernetwork.com

sports

Texans preview:

Three things to watch By TERRANCE HARRIS Defender

he 2019 NFL season is upon us and with that comes an array of questions as the defending AFC South champion Texans get set to open a wildly uncertain campaign. The Indianapolis Colts entered the preseason as the favorites to win the division but with the unexpected retirement of quarterback Andrew Luck and the moves the Texans made on cut day, they could be poised for a repeat. The Texans, winners of the division three of the last four years, seemed to answer their more glaring offensive line weakness by trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and then adding another play-making receiver in Kenny Stills in the same deal. Coach Bill O’Brien, who now has the dual role of general manager, has made some questionable moves by dealing an impact player in Jadeveon Clowney for role players and then dealing two first-round picks and a second-rounder for a star left tackle in the final year of his contract. Here are three things to watch as the Texans get set to kick off the season in a Monday night showdown in New Orleans.

Impact of Clowney trade O’Brien clearly felt like he could win without Clowney based off how he entered negotiations with the premiere defensive end. Now Clowney is in Seattle and fans are about to find out if the defensive front is nearly as strong without his pass rushing presence. The absence of Clowney will be felt by J.J. Watt most. Look for Watt to face far more double teams now that opposing offenses don’t have to deal with Clowney’s freakish pass rushing ability.

Change in offensive line Not even a week ago, the offensive line looked to be the Texans biggest weakness and the one that could prevent them from repeating as AFC South champs. But the outlook has changed considerably with the addition of Tunsi to protect Deshaun Watson’s blindside. The presence of Tunsil seems to improve the reputation of an offensive line that gave up an NFL-high 62 sacks last season, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t plenty to be concerned with along the Texans’ offensive front. Injuries played a major role in the deficiencies of the front five last season and if the preseason was any indication that theme will continue this season. Injuries in the preseason have kept key players sidelined, which means continuity could be an issue early on as the unit adjusts to Tunsil. Right tackle Seantrel Henderson is back after missing all but one quarter of last season after breaking his ankle in the season opener, but durability questions remain.

Watson and supporting cast Indications are the impressive third-year quarterback and franchise cornerstone is ready to elevate his game. Watson will now have four quality receivers to throw to in DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Keke Coutee and Stills, if they can all stay healthy. He also has some exciting tight ends and while the loss of Lamar Miller will hurt some, Duke Johnson and the addition Carlos Hyde in the backfield should help Watson by keeping opposing defenses honest because of their versatile abilities. If Watson can get the ball out of his hands a little faster that may help a leaky offensive line. If there is any concern at quarterback going into the season it is the health of players behind Watson. Backup A.J. McCarron is coming off a thumb injury that forced him to miss most of camp with his new team. Third-string quarterback Joe Webb appears to be on the shelf for a while after being knocked out of the preseason finale.

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SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019 | DEFENDER

sports

Running back shines

Ronald Huff moves Katy forward By JODIE B. JILES Defender

onald Hoff, a Katy High School senior transfer running back from Charlotte, N.C., is a smashmouth, north and south runner who has the breakaway speed necessary to hit the corner and take off for a long run. In the 24-21 season opener victory over defending Class 6A Division I state champion North Shore, Hoff ran 206 yards on 32 touches with a key touchdown that sparked a momentumshifting third quarter after Katy trailed by 21-17 at halftime. Katy grounded and pounded their new addition throughout the game as Hoff inched the Tigers up the field with each carry, effectively setting up the Ronald Hoff ran for over 200 yards and a touchdown in a 24-21 upset over North Shore. play action pass which reeled in two additional touchdowns that wide receiver Hoff: On the pitch play it was wide Jordan Patrick fully admitted was a open. The corner was sucking in and it was direct result of a successful running game. just wide open. My blocking was amazing This season, Katy is without standout running and God was just so good. He blessed me back Deondrick Glass, who signed with Oklahoma to do what I did for this team to get this win State University. Katy head football coach Gary Joseph shared what impressed him about the team’s today. Defender: What excites reloaded running attack with Hoff at the forefront. you the most about play“He plays hard, he gets at least 3 or 4 yards a ing high school football in carry, helps control the clock a little bit and I am Texas? just impressed with his game tonight,” Joseph said. Hoff: They say Texas The Defender spoke with Hoff after the season football is the best. So, me opener against North Shore to discuss his transfer coming out here doing my to Houston, his momentum-shifting touchdown best at what God blessed me run and advice to others who want to follow in his to do is just amazing and footsteps. Defender: How would you describe the journey I’m just going to keep doing it for these boys because that brought you to Katy? they want to win as bad as Hoff: It was my senior year and I have seen the backs that have come from this school and the amaz- I do. Defender: What advice ing work that these coaches do for them. So, my do you have for young [journey involved] coming here and doing my part, players who want to achieve getting right, coming to spring ball doing my job, the success you have had and beating the team that just won the state champiso far? onship. This is awesome and God is just so good. Hoff: Keep pushing, Defender: How would you describe your style practicing, and in practice of play as a running back? always go full speed because Hoff: I’m a north and south runner. It’s just me the game is even faster with moving forward, leaning my shoulders and getting game speed. Keep going fast more yards a carry. and do your part for your Defender: Describe the touchdown you scored team then everything will against North Shore. work out.

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The Brown brothers are encouraged by their mother Aleisha Drexler. (Photos

About Hoff

Born: Irma, S.C. Favorite subject: History Favorite musician: Kodak Black Shout-out: God

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019

Osaka, Gauff share words of encouragement at match Defender News Services

The enthralling run of 15-year-old prodigy Coco Gauff had to come to an end eventually. She fell in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0, to No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the third round recently at the U.S. Open. Osaka did everything she could to make the disappointment hit Gauff as softly as possible. After the handshake, Osaka walked over to the teen and urged her to stay on the court for an interview with her. Gauff said she’d cry if she had to do it, but Osaka insisted it would feel better to let any emotion out in front of an appreciative crowd than to go in the shower and cry. It was an act of compassion from the top-ranked player. So, there was Gauff, in between hiccup-sobs,

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Please call Sherrie Sommerville for Specs/plans – 832-948-4541

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS Hanover Construction (GENERAL CONTRACTOR) will receive COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS for the construction of the Hanover Square Infrastructure Site Development until 2:00 P.M. local time on September 19, 2019. Proposals shall be sealed and received at the Hanover office at 1780 S. Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas 77056. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted. Proposals will be evaluated based on relevant project experience and proposal cost. Hanover will select the best value contractor based on this selection criteria.

Scope of Work to include the following:

Tennis star Naomi Osaka consoled Coco Gauff after defeating her at the U.S. Open.

answering questions from ESPN as the audience cheered for her effort. Despite the lopsided result, Osaka didn’t want her young opponent to be down on herself. Then, when it came time for the victor to do her interview, she started tearing up, too. She remembered how

she used to see Gauff and her parents training in the same facilities as she did in Florida, and mused about how their journeys intersected, for the first time, at the U.S. Open, with each of them finding success. “For me, the fact that both of us made it, and

Getting

Started Safely Call 811 before you dig. When it comes to digging safely, you make the call. Whether you’re working on a large excavation, or simply planting a tree in your yard, natural gas and utility line safety should always be job one – and that means calling 811 before you dig. Calling 811 helps you know where natural gas, electric, water and other underground lines are located. It also helps you avoid causing serious injuries, service interruptions, or possibly costly fines for damaged infrastructure. Make the call. It’s easy. It’s FREE. Respect the lines. Dig with care. After all, safety is in your hands, but always on our minds. We’re investing in infrastructure, technology and services that help keep you safe. More information on natural gas safety is available at: CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.

CENT-0450_2018_Spring_Gas_Safety_Texas_4-79x6-5.indd 1

3/26/18 9:30 AM

we’re both still working as hard as we can, I think it’s incredible,” Osaka said. “And I think you guys are amazing. Coco, you’re amazing.”

02310 - Grading 02510 - *Underground Utilities 02510 - *Underground Utilities

02760 - Paving Specialties 02900 - *Landscaping 16001 - *Electrical

Bidders are invited to attend a voluntary Pre-Bid meeting to be held on Tuesday, Sept 5th, 2019 at 2:00 P.M at the jobsite located at 3550 W. Dallas Street, Houston, Texas 77019. Instructions for Bidders and other bid documents can be provided by contacting Brayden Patterson at bpatterson@hanoverco.com or 713-580-1140 .

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SEPTEMBER 5 | 2019 | DEFENDER

STATE OF BLACK WOMEN POWER HOUR RECEPTION

Dr. Wanda Mott, Michelle Riley Brown, Dr. Michelle Lyn

Jalene Mack, Shawn Thierry

Elaine and Erin Mosley

Lamonica Guyton, Alexis Jones, Veronica Jones

Chelsea Lester, Argentina James, Kimberly Slaughter, Misha McClure

Many of Houston’s most influential African-American women packed Grotto Houston Downtown for the State of Black Women (SOBW) Power Hour Reception sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital, Barbara Jordan Institute of Policy at Texas Southern University, Defender Network and HillDay Public Relations. Leading the way were SOBW founders Sonny Messiah Jiles, Dr. Carla Brailey, Argentina James, ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Margo Williams Hubbard. Special guests included Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Other elected officials present included State Reps. Alma Allen, Shawn Thierry and Senfronia Thompson, and Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford. defendernetwork.com

Photos by: Vicky Pink Visit www.SOBW.com for more photos

Seema Patel, Diana Gross, Fanny Brown, Mayor Turner, Chanelle Myles, and Anyoleth Sanchez

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson

Carla Brailey, Laurie Robinson, TaKasha Francis

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

Paige Hubbard, Vicky Pink

Shannon Buggs, Mel Davis, Christa Stoneham

Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford

ReShonda Billingsley

Michelle Riley Brown, Sonny Messiah Jiles, Dr. Frances Monroe, Charlene Tombar

Margo Williams Hubbard

Marilyn Marshall, Carolyn Campbell

Remington Wiley, Tasha Dennis, Dr. Grenita Lathan, Loneta Edison

Mary Benton, Raquelle Lewis, Alma Allen, Kim Gagne

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 FELLOWS ON COMPLETING THEIR JOURNEY.

SIX STUDENTS FROM HBCUs

SIX SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY JOURNALISM

TWO CELEBRITY ADVISORS

ONE STYLISH RIDE

THE ROAD TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Experience their full story online. Discover everything they accomplished in the All-New 2019 Chevy Blazer. See them find new roads at nnpa.org/chevydtu.

@ChevroletDTU