Skip to main content

Houston Defender: September 06, 2018

Page 1

NEWSTALK

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

DEFENDER KICKS OFF ELECTION SEASON WITH ‘VOTERS UNITE’ CAMPAIGN. P2

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 87 | Number 45 SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 FREE

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

NEWSTALK SHERRY WILLIAMS leaves KHOU and joins HISD

P2 NATIONAL JIM BROWN backing Trump, bashing Blacks

‘Greenleaf’ Keith David, Merle Dandridge & Lynn Whitfield

P3 FEATURE COLIN KAEPERNICK causes backlash after Nike deal

Returns With Sin, Secrets & Sex H PAGE 5

Aretha Franklin

farewell impacts Blacks Hundreds gathered in Detroit be recently to pay tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. See all of the celebrities, dignitaries, family and friends who gathered to celebrate the life of the legend who died from pancreatic cancer at age 76. H PAGE 6

Michael Haywood ready to win

H.S. SPORTS ZACH EVANS leads at North Shore

The Texas Southern University coach is entering year three of leading the Tigers. And now, he’s drawn a collective line in the sand and declared that winning at TSU resumes in 2018…“by any means necessary.” H PAGE

P9

P11 10

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years


2

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

newstalk

Woman headed to prison for voting Defender News Services

Crystal Mason, the woman with a felony who voted in 2016 not knowing she was not supposed to, just received more prison time for her mistake. The Dallas woman will head to prison on Sept. 13 She had already been sentenced to five years for violating Crystal Mason Texas law and voting as a felon in the 2016 election. Ten more months have been added on to Mason’s sentence for violating the terms of her supervised release, which was to not commit another state, federal or local crime. “This is a gross miscarriage of justice,” said

Mason’s attorney Kim Cole. “The entire state prosecution was designed to suppress minority votes in Tarrant County.” Once she is released from prison, Mason will also have 26 months of supervised release. Mason, 43, had served three already for tax fraud after being sentenced in 2011. She said when she was released from prison, she was not informed that she could not vote as a felon on supervised release. Alison Grinter, her other attorney, said, “There are going to be Crystal Masons in the world. There are going to be people who cast a provisional ballot because they’re not sure or they mistakenly believe that they are qualified.”

Sherry Williams named new HISD press secretary Defender News Services

KHOU-TV Saturday morning anchor Sherry Williams has been named press secretary for HISD. She will begin her new role on Sept. 13. Williams, an Emmy-winning journalist whose career spans three decades, previSherry Williams ously anchored the news at CW 39 and reported for Fox 26 Houston. She also worked in markets in Dallas, Detroit and Bryan-College Station. “I am thrilled and eager to start this new

endeavor with the Houston Independent School District Communications team,” Williams said. “I look forward to serving the school district that helped me immensely to become the person I am today.” Williams grew up in Third Ward. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University. She began her broadcast career as a reporter and anchor at Bryan radio station WTAW while still in college. Williams has also won awards from Associated Press, Houston Press Club, Dallas Press Club and United Press International.

VOTERS UNITE

The new Defender campaign “Voters Unite” is designed to mobilize voters to: 1) register or confirm your registration and 2) get you and others to vote. The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018. You can vote early from Monday, Oct. 22 to Friday, Nov. 2, OR vote on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 6. During the last presidential election, only 61.3 percent of voters cast ballots. The numbers prove that if more of us voted we can and will make a major difference. This November, voters will select elected officials who will determine the policies that impact our lives from healthcare to immigration to affirmative action and more. We will also select judges who will determine how criminal justice is dispensed.

REGISTER TO VOTE NOW

Pick up a voter registration application at a U.S. Postal office, library, high school, Texas Dep t. of Public Safety and Texas Health and Human Serv ices Commission OR complete your voter registration application at: https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/vrap p/index.asp. OR call 713-274-8683 (VOTE) and Mail signed voter registration form to: ANN HARRIS BENNETT Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrar P.O. Box 3527 Houston, Texas 77253-3527

D ONE IDENTIFY TWO FRIENDS AN SENIOR TO REGISTER nds that are

ers or frie Find two close family memb m through registerthe lk wa not registered to vote and ior 65 or older to register to ing to vote. Also, help a sen voter is registered to vote, vote (Note: Once the senior a voting ballot by mail.) download an application for

CONFIRM/VERIFY YOUR VO TER REGISTRATION

Search at this link by name or address: https://www. hctax.net/Voter/Search DS’ REGISTRATION CONFIRM FAMILY & FRIEN al and go online and Get together for fun or a me e friends are registered to vot confirm family members and to r iste reg take them online to using their address. If not, 9. . vote before Tuesday, Oct

localbriefs TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY is the second largest HBCU in the nation. With more than 10,000 students enrolled last fall – and another enrollment increase anticipated this fall – TSU tops the list behind North Carolina A&T University. Other schools on the list include No. 3, Florida A&M University (9,913 students); No. 4, Howard University (9,392 students) and No. 5, Prairie View A&M University (9,219 students)……..A CONTROVERSIAL BILLBOARD along a Dallas highway that suggests Black women should view abortion as self-care has sparked outrage, support and conversation across social media. “Black women take care of their families by taking care of themselves,” the

billboard states. “Abortion is self-care.” Pro-life advocates oppose the disturbing message sponsored by a Dallas-based group called the Afiya Center and took to social media to express their anger about the ad……..A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BENNY JOSEPH, a well-known portrait photographer, will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m., at Mabrie Memorial Mortuary, 5000 Almeda. He died Aug. 21 at age 93. Joseph attended Yates High School and served in World War II. After the war Joseph attended the Teal School of Photography in Houston and subsequently pursued commercial photography. From 1950 to 1953 he worked with the late Herbert Provost, another African-

American photographer, and opened his own studio in 1958. He photographed such notables as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Barbara Jordan and Muhammad Ali........FORT BEND ISD IS HOSTING A PARENT UNIVERSITY on Tuesday., Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. at Travis High School, 11111 Harlem Road in Richmond. The free event will give parents an opportunity to meet with FBISD personnel and other education experts to receive an overview of the Houston job market, advice on how to be involved in your child’s postsecondary planning and information on obtaining financial aid and college scholarships. Visit www. fortbendisd.com.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years


defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs ANDREW GILLUM, FLORIDA’S DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE for governor, is condemning attempts to “weaponize race” days after Florida voters began receiving robocalls mocking his African-American heritage. The Tallahassee mayor blasted the automated phone calls as “deeply regrettable.” Though the recordings were produced by an Idaho-based neo-Nazi group, Gillum called on his Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), to “rise above” adopting its ugly tactics. In the automated phone calls, someone speaking in an exaggerated dialect pretends to be Gillum, Florida’s first AfricanAmerican nominee for governor, as drums and jungle noises can be heard in the background.....OMAROSA MANIGUALT NEWMAN has a bestselling book but that hasn’t stopped her from heavily promoting it. Now there is more info leaking about her time at the White House and the latest is that she recorded nearly every conversation there. A “source” said, “Omarosa taped nearly every conversation she had while working in the White House. Omarosa did this with a personal phone, almost always on record mode.” The source claims she always used two phones, a personal phone and a government-issued one……..FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL BE HONORED in the City of Angels with a street named after him. Rodeo Road in Los Angeles will be renamed Obama Boulevard. The City Council voted 15-0 to change a section of Rodeo Road’s name to honor this country’s first AfricanAmerican president.

3

In upset, Black woman beats Massachusetts congressman Associated Press

In a political stunner, incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano conceded defeat in the Sept. 4 primary to Ayanna Pressley, a Boston city council who is virtually assured of becoming the first Black woman to serve Massachusetts in Congress. The race between Capuano and Pressley was perhaps the most closely watched contest in Massachusetts. The challenge from Pressley, the first Black woman to serve on the council, had drawn some comparisons to Alexandria Boston City Council Member Ayanna Pressley celebrates victory over Massachusetts Congressman Michael Capuano. Ocasio-Cortez, who defeated 10term New York Rep. Joe Crowley in the district, meaning Pressley is virtually assured in a stunning upset in a Democratic of entering Congress in January. primary in June. Another veteran congressman, Democratic Both races highlight rifts within the DemocratRep. Richard Neal, faced a spirited primary ic Party, with many younger voters embracing new challenge from Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, a Black and more diverse political leadership. attorney from Springfield who, if elected, would The congressional district is the only one in the be the first Muslim to serve in Congress from Masstate where minorities comprise a majority of the sachusetts. population. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker won his party’s “This is a fight for the soul of our party and nomination for a second term, defeating Scott the future of our democracy,” Pressley said earlier Lively, a conservative minister and staunch supwhile campaigning in the district. “And a reliable porter of President Donald Trump. vote is not good enough.” Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren sailed Capuano is considered one of the most liberal through the primary unopposed. She will face Geoff members of the Massachusetts delegation, and Diehl, a state representative who served as co-chair Pressley had acknowledged she had few major of Trump’s 2016 campaign in the state and defeated policy quarrels with him. two other Republicans for his party’s nomination. There is no Republican on the November ballot

Brown says Blacks shouldn’t blame Trump VOLUME 87 • NUMBER 45 SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager

Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Videographer

Jodie B. Jiles

Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Editor Max Edison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

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

Defender News Services

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown said the Black community should take responsibility for its own issues rather than point the finger at President Donald Trump. Brown, 82, a former running back for the Cleveland Browns, appeared on “Fox & Friends” recently, where he affirmed his support for Trump. “We should look at ourselves Jim Brown first before we look at the president,” Brown said. “The Black community – and I’m a part of that community – has a responsibility regardless of what the president does. And if you

have a homicide rate within your Black community, then it’s not the president that has created a homicide rate. It’s the Black community itself that needs to address it. “I don’t want to put everything on [Trump],” he continued. “I’m sorry to say that the Black community isn’t doing what we should do, and that includes myself...” Brown, who has faced backlash for criticizing NFL player protests, dug himself into an even deeper hole by crediting “white people” for the progress and success achieved by African-Americans, specifically Black athletes.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years


4

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018 defendernetwork.com


defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018 | DEFENDER

entertainment

5

‘Greenleaf’

Megachurch drama filled with secrets, sin and sex

T

Defender News Services

he popular megachurch drama “Greenleaf” has returned to OWN and it’s giving viewers what they crave – lots of secrets, sin and sex. It centers around a Memphis family and dramatizes the gap between its characters’ sanctified public personas and their private misdeeds. Bishop (Keith David) may be back in the Greenleaf mansion as he and Lady Mae (Lynn Whitfield) try to raise $2 million dollars from faithful churchgoer and Powerball winner Clara to settle an IRS debt, but his attachment to the deviously sweet Rochelle Cross (LeToya Luckett) may lead him to divorce court. Jacob (Lamman Rucker) has basically imprisoned his daughter Zora after she attempted to run away with Isaiah, her boyfriend with whom she is sexually active and who hits her. In addition, Jacob is struggling with the duties of leading Triumph, leaning heavily on the former pastor Basie’s wife, Tasha Skanks, who is secretly orchestrating his downfall. Charity’s (DeboOprah Winfrey also stars on the show. LeToya Luckett comes to shake things up. rah Joy Winans) bliss with Jabari, her music Greenleaf matriarch. “This season we’re going to producer and lover, is cut short when Kevin, her experience one of the huge stains, mistakes of her ex-husband and her son Nathan’s father, returns life, that she has to look in the face and say, ‘Yes, threatening to sue for custody. And Grace (Merle I did that,’ ” she said. “And so when you find it all Dandridge) isn’t quite gelling with her boyfriend out, it’s really juicy and it’s really something that Darius. families deal with often. But Lady Mae f-----up The third season appears poised to follow and she’s going to have to, she did y’all, I’m not the family as Mae and James come to terms with kidding (responding to the crowd’s awe) and I mean life in the wake of indiscretions revealed. They it’s one of those ones that just doesn’t go away. And agree to present a united front when the church’s so she’s going to have to own up to that. It’s bad,” livelihood is threatened, but Mae is disinclined to she added. “Almost worse than anybody else has maintain their charade. done except maybe kill [her] brother.” Executive-produced by Oprah Winfrey, the • Behind the bishop’s affair network’s co-owner, and created by Craig Wright, “Everybody is anticipating what he’s going to “Greenleaf” tackles hypocrisy both spiritual and do with that woman?” Keith David said, recognizsecular. ing that, so far, every time it’s looked like Rochelle Some of the show’s stars recently sat and has succeeded in getting Bishop in bed, she actutalked about what’s in store this season. ally has not. “I am still a married man,” Bishop • Lady Mae’s devastating secret revealed reminded the younger Rochelle in the first episode, If Lady Mae’s marriage falling apart isn’t even as they shared a hotel room. “Let us say you enough, Whitfield teased even more drama for the can look forward to him walking up to the door of

The “Greenleaf” cast includes Lamman Rucker, Lynn Whitfield, Keith David and Merle Dandridge.

temptation,” Keith teased. “Now whether he goes through the door, whether the door opens or maybe the door just cracks, you’ll see.” • Charity loses faith “Poor Charity,” Deborah Joy Winans said. “There’s just a lot happening. With her dealing with the grief, she finds herself lost in the grief. She finds herself lost with her family. Like where’s her place? Everything is falling apart. I think that parental structure falling apart is very damaging for her…that has a huge impact on how she proceeds dealing with everything else and there’s a rock bottom she hits before she gets back up again.” • Grace is torn between love and faith So far, in the first two episodes, the cracks in Grace’s relationship with Darius (Rick Fox) are glaringly obvious and they will continue. “Grace has always had drama with love and I think that this relationship is no different,” Merle Dandridge explained. “I think she knew going into it that she was going to be in a relationship with a man who doesn’t believe what she believes spiritually and, at the time, because they had similar life goals in uncovering truths and fighting for justice and the written word, they seem to be on the same trajectory. “But when Grace realizes ‘oh I do have a call on my life, God is pulling me back, God is trying to talk to me’ then there’s that dissonance that starts to happen in the relationship when he can’t come along with that. And I think that’s something that a lot of us women go through – oh he looks real cute but he might not be in line with what God has for me.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years


6

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018

Aretha Franklin leaves a lega

A

Defender News Service

s Aretha Franklin was remembered at her funeral as a proud Black woman who also used her magnificent voice to stand up for the Black community she loved, several speakers used the moment to continue to demand respect for Black America. Amid the gospel, personal reflections and grief were calls to register and turnout to vote in November and condemnation of President Donald Trump, who, upon her death, referred to Franklin as “someone who worked for me” — a comment that rankled many African-Americans. “No — she used to perform for you,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said to cheers and applause from the crowd. “She worked for us. Aretha never took orders from nobody but God.” Franklin’s civil rights legacy was mentioned often during the eight-hour service, and was tied to her faith and roots in the Black church. Many also mentioned her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, and his civil rights leadership, which influenced his daughter from a young age. Several that spoke didn’t hesitate to take swipes at Donald Trump. Georgetown University sociologist Michael Eric Dyson took several shots at Trump in his remarks, assigning the president several nicknames: “orange apparition,” ”lugubrious leech,” ”doppleganger of deceit and deceit,” ”lethal liar,” ”dimwitted dictator,” ”foolish fascist.” “She ain’t work for you,” Dyson shouted over applause. “She worked above you. She worked beyond you. Get your preposition right.” The event was filled with dignitaries, celebrities and notables, including: President Bill and Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder, California Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, Judge Greg Mathis, with performances by Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Fantasia, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Holliday, The Clark Sisters. Franklin was laid to rest in a mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery, the final resting place of her father. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Chaka Khan

Aretha’s funeral program

Jennifer Holliday

Louis Farrakhan, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and President Bill Clinton were among the dignitaries at the funeral.

Aretha’s family.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the


defendernetwork.com

7

acy in the Black community

Yolanda Adams

Gladys Knight

Tyler Perry

Smokey Robinson

Fantasia

e Houston area for over 85 years

Bishop Charles H. Ellis apologized for the controversy surrounding his hugging Ariana Grande

Cicely Tyson


8

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018 defendernetwork.com

$30 million poured into young voter effort Associated Press

Democrats know who their voters are. They just have to figure out how to get them to the polls in November. Young people tend to vote for Democrats, but they also tend to stay away during midterm elections. It’s a perennial frustration for the party – one they are trying to overcome as they seek to take control of Congress. NextGen America, a liberal group formed by billionaire activist Tom Steyer, hopes to be a game changer. Steyer is investing more than $30 million in what’s believed to be the largest voter engagement effort of its kind in U.S. history. The push to register and get pledges from college students to vote is focusing on states such as Wisconsin, Virginia, California and North Carolina with competitive races for Congress, U.S. Senate and other offices. NextGen sees young voters such as Kellen Sharp as key to flipping targeted seats from red to blue. “The outcome of this election definitely affects us,” said Sharp, an 18-year-old freshman from Milwaukee who stopped to register the week before classes started. “I’m just excited to have a voice and say something.” A poll this summer by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and MTV found that most Americans ages 15 to 34 think voting in the midterm elections gives their generation some say about how the government is run. The poll found young people eager to vote for someone who shared their political views on issues such as health care and immigration policy. They expressed far less excite-

ment about voting for a candidate described as a lifelong politician. “If we all vote, we can make a change,” said 20-year-old Grace Austin, who stopped at the Wisconsin event and wound up registering to vote. Austin and other college students who registered said they feel like their friends are more interested in politics than ever before — boosting hopes of Democrats trying to reverse the trend of declining youth participation in midterm elections.

University of Wisconsin freshman Kellen Sharp, left, gets information about registering to vote from NextGen America worker Sean Manningt.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: SIGNAGE PACKAGE TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY/ LEARNING CENTER Turner Construction Company is the Construction Manager for the Texas Southern University Library/ Learning Center in Houston, Texas. You are invited to submit your Lump Sum Proposal (LSP) for all labor, material, equipment, taxes, and other necessary items to complete the work in your trade for this project. The LSP’s are to be in strict accordance with the Project Documents prepared by Moody Nolan (Project Architect) and Turner Construction’s RFP Project Manual. The project is a new construction 137,000sf five story plus 6th floor mechanical penthouse library and learning center located on TSU’s campus at 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004. This Project will be constructed on an active university campus where the work will require careful coordination to successfully perform all work while the university remains operational at all times. All Work must be performed and coordinated through Turner in strict accordance with Texas Southern University requirements, the Project Schedule, this RFP and the Contract Documents. In the event of a conflict, the most stringent requirement will prevail.

This proposal shall be in strict accordance with the Packages contained herein, this RFP and the Contract Documents. However, cost saving suggestions are acceptable and encouraged and are to be submitted as voluntary alternates to the base plans and specifications. Please refer to the Request For Proposal Manual for Instructions to Bidders, Insurance requirements, Proposal Forms, etc. PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS

Proposal documents may be downloaded from Building Connected. Contact Chris Compton at 713-358-8214 or ccompton@tcco.com for access to Turner’s Building Connected site. All Subcontractors will be required to complete the Turner Construction pre-qualification process prior to any issuance of a Subcontract. Please reference RFP for Pre-Qualification Instructions. BID RFI’s Bid RFI’s must be submitted on the RFI Form located in the RFI folder (in BuildingConnected) on or before 10:00am Wednesday September 5th, 2018.

classifieds NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bidders are invited to submit an offer for performance of a Unit Price Contract to STRATUS KINGWOOD PLACE, L.P., located at the above address, for the following construction Project, 12” WATER LINE TO SERVE ROCK CREEK DRIVE EXTENSION, Project Number: 0340.10.002-A, located in the CITY OF HOUSTON, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS Bid Documents may be obtained from GURROLA REPROGRAPHICS, INC. located at 6161 WASHINGTON AVE, HOUSTON, TX 77007 from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9AM and 5PM. Bidders must reference project title and project number to order plans. Bidders will be responsible for any production costs. Bid Documents are made available only for the purpose of obtaining offers for this Project and does not grant a license for other purposes.

A NONMANDATORY pre-bid conference for bidders is scheduled to be held at 1:00PM local time, on SEPTEMBER 5 2018. All bidders (General Contractors, Subcontractors, and Suppliers) are invited to attend. The pre-bid conference will convene at 2500 SUMMER STREET, SUITE 2100, HOUSTON, TX 77007. Sealed bids signed by an officer of the company and dated will be received by SHAUN THERIOT-SMITH, PROJECT MANAGER, at 2500 SUMMER STREET, SUITE 2100, HOUSTON, TX 77007 until 1:00PM local time, on SEPTEMBER 12 2018. Bids shall be accompanied by a security deposit in the form of a Cashier’s Check or Bidders Bond in the amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the bid submitted. The successful bidder must furnish Payment and Performance Bonds on the forms provided in the amount of one-hundred percent (100%) each of the total Contract Price. The above described construction will be performed in accordance with plans and specifications and any addenda thereto which may be issued up to forty-eight (48) hours prior to opening of bids.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

10:00 AM TUESDAY September 11, 2018

HOUSTON DOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Proposals are to be submitted to Turner Construction Company, 3505 Rosewood St. Houston, TX 77004, Attention: Chris Compton, or faxed to 713.840.8365 on or before the due date. They may also be submitted by e-mail to houstonbids@tcco.com or ccompton@tcco.com with ‘TSU Library Learning Center – Signage Package’ in the subject line. Turner Construction Company reserves the right to utilize the following evaluation criteria when reviewing the bids that are submitted:

a) Subcontractor’s experience, b) Manpower & equipment availability for Project c) Financial capability/performance history/litigation history d) Proposal amount e) Ability to meet the construction schedule f) Project approach g) Safety record/ EMR h) Historically Underutilized Business Subcontracting Plan, refer to Section 16 in RFP i) Completion of bid form The bid will be awarded to the subcontractor which is determined to be qualified under the evaluation criteria mentioned above and based upon the Scoring Criteria & Subcontractor Selection Sheet in Turner Construction’s RFP Project Manual. Turner Construction Company may have discussions with qualified subcontractors to clarify the bid that has been submitted and to assure full understanding of and responsiveness to the bid solicitation. Turner Construction Company may negotiate with subcontractors that have been determined to be qualified in order to obtain a final and best offer. However, negotiations shall not alter the original scope of work as defined in the contractor’s original bid documents as provided by Turner Construction Company. Turner Construction Company will select the subcontractor which is determined to be the most advantageous to the successful completion of the Project based upon the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 1 Instruction to Bidders and need not necessarily accept the lowest priced subcontractor. The subcontractor whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the successful, timely and efficient completion of the Project, taking into account the evaluation factors, shall be selected. Upon selection of a subcontractor, the subcontractor will be required to sign Turner Construction’s standard subcontract agreement.

DOWNTOWN STREET LIGHT INFILL PROJECT The Houston Downtown Management District (the “Downtown District”) will receive sealed bids for the Downtown Street Light Infill Project, located in Downtown Houston. Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, local time on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 by the Director of Planning & Design, Downtown District, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. Bids received after this time will not be accepted.

Beginning Tuesday, September 4, 2018, Bid Documents will be available at www.civcastusa.com. Any Addenda will be distributed through www.civcastusa.com. Bid Documents may also be examined at the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (2302 Fannin Street, Suite 165, Houston, TX 77002) or viewed online at isqft.com. A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, in the Downtown District’s Conference Room, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650, Houston, Texas 77010. All bidders (general contractors) are invited to attend. Bids will be ruled non-responsive if received from a bidder who did not attend the Pre-bid Conference. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the Pre-bid Conference. Bidders shall comply with City Ordinance 95-336 (March 29, 1995) and Exec. Order No.1‑2 (June 14, 1995), and City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Procedures (June 1995). The successful Bidder will be required to make good faith efforts to achieve an M/WDBE participation goal of 20 percent.


defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018 | DEFENDER

Nike gets political with new ad

Most Americans believe NFL player protests inappropriate

Associated Press Nike has touched off a furor by wading into football’s national anthem debate with an ad featuring Colin Kaepernick, the former 49ers quarterback who was the first athlete to kneel during “The StarSpangled Banner” to protest police brutality against Blacks and hasn’t played a game since 2016. The ad copy reads: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” The ad, part of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do it” campaign, has outraged many. Online, people threatened boycotts and posted videos and photos of shoes set on Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is featured in a controversial Nike ad. to,” including the athletes. fire, Nike gear thrown in the trash, Other athletes in the campaign include tennis star Serena and swoosh logos cut out of products. Williams, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Most big corporations steer clear of politics, and marketing experts disagreed over whether the Kaepernick campaign is good Shaquem Griffin, a linebacker whose left hand was amputated when he was 4. But the Kaepernick ad struck a nerve, timed just business. before the NFL season kicks off. But some noted approvingly that it made a big splash and Neil Saunders, managing director of the data and analytics set Nike apart. They said it could solidify Nike’s bond with firm GlobalData, said the campaign will generate both attention athletes, especially African-Americans, an important considerand discussion. ation for a company that relies heavily on sports stars to endorse “However, it is also a risky strategy in that it addresses, and its products. Brian Gordon, CEO of Engine Shop, a sports and entertain- appears to take sides on, a highly politicized issue.” Other experts think the strength of Nike’s brand will help it ment marketing agency, said the ad is provocative but “authentic weather the storm and perhaps benefit from it. to who they are and the communities they represent and speak

Getting

9

Defender News Service

A new poll shows that Republicans and Democrats seem to be divided when it comes to the rights NFL players should have regarding police brutality protests during the national anthem, NBC’s “Meet the Press” revealed. Host Chuck Todd, said overall 43 percentof voters think kneeling as the national anthem plays is an appropriate way to protest racial inequality, while the majority, 54 percent, say it is not appropriate. However, politics is where the line is drawn in the same and shows a deeper division. Todd claimed 72 percent of Democrats say kneeling is fitting, versus 23 percent who say it’s no. For Republicans, the numbers are reversed, with 10 percent appropriate, 88 percent not. When it comes to race, more Blacks than whites side with kneeling protests. A court recently ruled in Colin Kaepernick’s favor in his fight against the NFL to prove he was blackballed. As SB Nation’s Ryan Nanni described in his analysis of the ruling: “Under Article 17, Section 7 of the current collective bargaining agreement, the appointed arbitrator in an anti-collusion matter may ‘determine whether or not the complainant’s evidence is sufficient to raise a genuine issue of material fact’ and dismiss the case if the evidence is insufficient.”

MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.

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.

LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE. Internet EssentialsSM from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home and greater access to what’s important to you. You may qualify if you have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or if you receive HUD housing assistance.

APPLY NOW AT InternetEssentials.com 1-855-8-INTERNET

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.

© 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. Internet Essentials is a program to provide home Internet service for families. It is not a school program, and is not endorsed or required by your school. Your school is not responsible for Internet Essentials accounts. ©2018 CenterPoint Energy 187119 CIE_Consumer ad_Marcus_4.79x6.5.indd 1 CENT-0450_2018_Spring_Gas_Safety_Texas_4-79x6-5.indd 1

3/26/18 9:30 AM

7/7/17 3:23 PM


10

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018

defendernetwork.com

sports

Texas Southern football will win ‘by any means’ By MAX EDISON Defender

It has been a tough two-year stint for Texas Southern University head football coach Michael Haywood. With a record of 6-16 in two years, it was hardly the start he anticipated. Entering year three of the Haywood regime, the Tigers have drawn a collective line in the sand and declared that winning at TSU resumes in 2018. Their mantra is “by any means.” “By any means necessary we have to win,” Haywood told his team. “When adversity is up against you we have to win. There’s no sense in looking up at the clock, it’s 60 minutes [in a game]. We want to be victorious at the end. We want to be physically dominant for 60 minutes and take control of the football game.” The Tigers haven’t posted a winning season since 2000. NCAA sanctions wiped out wins during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, including the conference championship in 2010. To say that TSU is overdue in the win department is an understatement. Woodard has been a consistent contributor in the backfield. Haywood was brought in to right the group at the wide receiver position. ship for the Tigers. His Matt Butler, Bobby Hartzog, Tariq resume includes an Buchanan, and Tren’Davian Dickimpressive turnaround son will all be counted on to exploit stint at Miami of Ohio. opposing secondaries. In his first year there the Preseason All-SWAC and team Redhawks were 1-11 captain Jimmy Williams (senior) (2009), but exploded in will anchor the TSU offensive 2010, finishing with an line. Ray Clayborn, Nate Thomp8-4 record in his second son, Drake Centers and Dominic season and a MAC East DeRiggi will all be tasked with title. opening holes and protecting Tiger Things have not playmakers turned around as quickly The TSU Tiger defense exat TSU. Entering year pects to be strong if the offense three Haywood needs to can give them an opportunity get to at least .500 in the to catch their breath. Dariwin column to keep his ous Stapleton, Brelyn job secure. The Tigers are optimistic and overdue in the win department. (Photos Goods, Tarrol Stafford courtesy Texas Southern University) For the Tigers to and Jarryl Taylor will find success in 2018 form a solid rotation they must solve the revolving door at the quarterback position. at defensive end. Jimmy White, Ian Bronson and Ike TSU started three players under center, including Dominic Onwuasoanya will be expected to plug holes in the DeLira, Jay Christophe and Elijah Odom, with all of them middle of the defensive line. attempting between 65 and 122 passes over the course of the The linebacker group is solid with team captain season. Entering 2018, DeLira and Odom have both departed. Sean Jones heading a physical group of players. Patrick Tulane transfer Glen Cuiellette has emerged as the starting Howell, Demontario Anderson and Julian Marcantel will quarterback after a spirited competition with Christophe. all be in the mix to punish SWAC offensive opponents Senior running back Brad Woodard has been a consistent The secondary is talented and athletic with Kencontributor in the backfield. Terio Brown, Kevin Dove and tarious Walker, Joshua Murray, Matthew Stephenson, Tylor Cook will help him shoulder that load. Marquel Daigle and DeAndre Angelle holding down the The Tigers will feature a talented, but relatively unproven cornerback and safety positions.

Running back Brad Woodard

Coach Michael Haywood

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years


defendernetwork.com

SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018 | DEFENDER

H.S. sports

11

Offensive tackle Damieon George helps protect Evans on the field.

Running back Zach Evans ran for 150 yards and four touchdowns agains Katy.

Receiver Noah Arnold (left) and quarterback Demetrius Davis join Evans on offense. Photos by Ray Carrington and Jodie B. Jiles.

North Shore RB Zach Evans best in Texas “It’s a matter of him making sure his head is on straight and playing the game the way he is capable of playing…He’s trying to be a great teammate and do the things that are in All eyes are on Zach Evans, the standout the best interest of the team. If he does that I 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior running back from think he will be a very, very special player.” Galena Park North Shore. As the Mustangs prepare The Defender spoke with Evans about his for their next game against Missouri City Ridge style of play, gameday performance and after Point, fans are still buzzing about Evans’ show football. against the 6A No. 1 Defender: Destate-ranked juggernaut scribe the type of Katy Tigers. DefenderNetwork.com player you are as a Evans ran for 150 See highlights of North Shore vs Katy and FB running back? yards off of 15 carries and Marshall vs FB Eisenhower Evans: I feel four touchdowns in the like I’m more of an Eric 35-21 opening day vicDickerson [the NFL Hall tory. Considering that last of Famer from Sealy] type. I am long-legged so I year Katy knocked North Shore out of the playoffs have a balance of power and combination of speed. in the quarterfinals, the victory proved to be a game Defender: What are your personal goals for of redemption. this season? Evans is currently ranked as the No. 1 running Evans: To be a better teammate and do what I back prospect in the state of Texas and No. 2 overcan for my offensive line. all in the nation. When asked about Evans, North Defender: What will it take for this team to win Shore head coach John Kay said, “He’s got great a state championship? size, speed and understands the game. Evans: Taking it one game at a time and exBy JODIE B. JILES Defender

About Zach Evans

Graduating Class – 2020 Twitter – @RunZekeRun01 Current college visits –Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Texas, Clemson, LSU, Ole Miss, USC Favorite NFL running backs to watch – Leonard Fournette, Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley Special shout-outs – His offensive line

ecute every day in practice. Defender: What were the keys to success in the “W” against Katy? Evans: Playing together as a team, being a family and coming together as a unit. Defender: What do you look forward to in the next game against Ridge Point? Evans: I am looking forward to executing in practice first; we have a lot to work on. Defender: What are your plans after football? Evans: I thought about getting into chemical engineering.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years


12

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 6 | 2018

defendernetwork.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Houston Defender: September 06, 2018 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork - Issuu