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Volume 85 | Number 45

FOOD DESERTS Black community lacks quality grocery stores H PAGE 8

TOP EVENTS

Mayor Sylvester Turner and James Prince at Drake/Rap-ALot Records celebrity basketball game

Rhonda Skillern-Jones

Lamar Miller

The Texas Education Commissioner has placed an overseer in charge of Kashmere HS in hopes of turning around the low-performing school. See what HISD Trustee SkillernJones thinks about the move. Find out if new HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza supports the decision.

The Texans have welcomed former Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller to the team. Learn why Miller could propel the offense to higher heights. See why he avoids comparisons to Arian Foster. Find out what coach Bill O’Brien thinks.

addresses Kashmere

runs for Texans

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016

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Overseer named for struggling Kashmere Defender News Services

A graduate has been named the new conservator of Kashmere High School, the longest-running, lowperforming public school in Texas, failing to meet the state’s academic standards for seven straight years. Doris Delaney, a Kashmere alum and longtime educator who previously worked in the Aldine school district, is tasked with overseeing this year’s instructional delivery, and evaluating Kashmere’s needs as well as the district's allocation of resources to the campus. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath made the rare move in an attempt to accelerate progress in the school that continually rates lowperforming in spite of numerous reform efforts by HISD, including bringing in new principals, teachers, investing in tutors and a longer school day. Morath said that appointing the conservator was necessary to not only address the school’s struggles, but HISD’s ongoing failures “to address the previously identified academic failures.” Newly-hired HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza supported the move, stating, “We look forward to partnering with the Texas Education Agency and doing whatever it takes to make

A rendering shows renovations planned for Kashmere High School, which will be overseen by a conservator because of academic problems.

Kashmere the great school the community deserves." Houston school board member Rhonda SkillernJones added, "Overcoming the effects of poverty is always going be a difficult battle, but I think putting in the appropriate resources and targeting exactly where the problems are is key. I don't think the

district is blameless in having created some of this problem, so it's our responsibly to help fix it." By last year’s numbers Kashmere, which is in Skillern-Jones’ district, was HISD’s smallest comprehensive high school (585 students) of which 72 percent were Black and 27 percent were Hispanic, and most were from low-income families.

Harris Co. jail leads nation in inmate deaths Defender News Services

In the Harris County Jail (HCJ), one of the largest in the nation, inmates die at a higher rate per capita than most other jails in the nation, according to a Huffington Post analysis of death data from July 13, 2015 to July 13, 2016. Since July 2015, at least 12 Harris County inmates died on the jail’s watch, with most of the deaths related to medical issues, rather than an assault or suicide. “Whether you’re talking about jail deaths that result from

violence or jail deaths that result from inmate suicide, these are things that can become a problem because of understaffing,” said Wallis Nader, a staff attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project. The jail, run by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, is grossly understaffed with roughly 40 percent of staff having two years or less experience. This translates to less inmate oversight. As of this June, HJC inmates had already attempted suicide 130 times, a pace that will far surpass the 186 suicide attempts in 2015. But in HCJ, death comes in all forms, including Patrick

Brown, booked on a misdemeanor theft charge, beaten to death by two other inmates; and Patrick Green dying, according to the lawsuit by his family, because guards ignored his signs of bacterial meningitis. Moreover, roughly 70 percent of HCJ inmates are there simply because they cannot afford bail, prompting some to label it a “debtor’s prison.” “You have two completely different justice systems,” Gerald Wheeler, former director of pretrial services for Harris County, said. “One for the rich and one for the poor.”

localbriefs TEXAS WILL NO LONGER HELP low-income families pay their electric bills. Lite-Up Texas, a program that offered discounts to hundreds of thousands of poor Texas families over the years, has run out of money and the discounts ended on Aug. 31, the Public Utility Commission confirmed. Though observers expected the money to run out after lawmakers declined to extend the program's funding source three years ago, advocates are concerned that long-time beneficiaries will be blindsided when their assistance vanishes. About 700,000 households relied on the program in 2015……..TEXAS DEMOCRATS hope GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump helps them turn Texas bluer in

November. Democrats are hoping enough Republicans may stay home, or avoid voting a straight-party ticket because they can’t support the Republican presidential nominee, which could open doors for “down-ballot” Democrats, those listed below presidential candidates on the ballot. Most experts doubt the Democrats will finally achieve their long-awaited rebound in the state this year……..ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES shocked students after the school abruptly closed. The U.S. Department of Education yanked ITT’s ability to use federal financial aid for its students. Eight thousand employees were affected. The remaining staff will focus on helping students with their records and future educational options. Three Houston-area

ITT campuses served 1,600 students…….THE NUMBER OF TEXAS WOMEN dying after they have babies or unsuccessful pregnancies is on the rise. Two new studies detailing the disturbing trend have prompted soul-searching from state policymakers and outcry from women’s health advocates, who argue that cuts by the state’s Republican-led Legislature to Planned Parenthood and other women’s health programs are at least partially responsible for the increase. The study found that in 2012, 148 women in Texas died from pregnancy-related complications – including excessive bleeding, obesity-related heart problems and infection — within 42 days of the end of their pregnancy.

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SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016 | DEFENDER

national

U.S.briefs CHICAGO HAD ITS DEADLIEST MONTH in the past 23 years as August wrapped up with 92 homicides. With more than 400 wounded, the month was the city’s deadliest since October of 1997. Local leaders asked that the Illinois governor declare a state of emergency for the city so that federal resources can be allotted. “I’m told we’re down 1,000 police officers, schools are underfunded and whole communities look like a tornado went through it,” said Father Michael Pflegar, a priest who has fought against the violence for years…….SUPPORT FOR BLACK LIVES MATTER is growing among young white adults according to a recent poll. Approximately 51 percent of young white adults between the ages of 18 and 30 say they strongly or somewhat support the movement. Some 42 percent said that they do not support the movement. However, the study notes that most white youths also think that the movement’s rhetoric encourages violence against law enforcement, even as most Black youth think that it does not. White youth are also more likely to think violence against police is a serious problem rather than saying the same about the killings of Black Americans by the police…….A SOUTH CAROLINA DEPUTY will not be charged for dragging a teen girl. It’s been nearly a year since a shocking video showed the deputy drag a female student across a classroom floor. Officials concluded there’s not enough evidence to prosecute the deputy. Last October, the deputy responded to a call about a high school girl who refused to surrender her mobile phone or leave her classroom. The video, posted online, showed the white officer manhandling the Black girl when she ignored his orders. He flipped the student and her desk backward onto the floor and dragged her to the front of the classroom, where he handcuffed her.

NNPA launches Black voter turnout project Defender News Services

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade association of more than 200 Black-owned newspapers, is launching “Project Black Voter Turnout 2016: 20 Million Black Voters to the Polls.” NNPA is working with other organizations on the project, including the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, NAACP, Rainbow Push, National Action Network, National Urban League, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Black Lives Matter, National Baptist Convention, Progressive National Baptist Convention and the National Council of Churches. “We must use [our] voice as an urgent clarion call for a massive, historic Dr. Ben Chavis and unprecedented Black American voter turnout on November 8,” said Dr. Ben Chavis, NNPA president and CEO. Chavis said NNPA’s members are being asked to provide front-page news coverage and motivational editorials and to present banner ads on their publication websites to promote Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns in the Black community. In 2008, Blacks voted in record numbers (16,133,000) electing Barack Obama as the nation’s first Black president. In 2012, Blacks cast 17,813,000 votes, and for the first time in American history, Black voter turnout (66.2 percent) nationally exceeded white voter turnout (64.1 percent). The PBVT coalition seeks to set new Black voter

records this November. “The United States of America is once again at a pivotal and crucial political crossroads,” Chavis said. “The outcome of the November 8th national elections will determine the future of the nation and of the world. “This is a propitious moment, not only for 47 million Black Americans, but this is also the time for all Americans to decide whether or not American democracy will finally fully embrace the goals of freedom, justice, equality and empowerment for all people,” Chavis said. The coalition seeks to dispel the notion that voting does not matter, and the predictions of national pundits who expect low Black voter turnout, as they wrongly expected in 2012. “We have both a sacred obligation and a historic responsibility to ensure that we will have the largest Black American voter turnout in history,” Chavis said. “Why? Because the overall quality of life of our families and communities is at stake.”

Georgetown gives descendants priority admission VOLUME 85 • NUMBER 45 SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby

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

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

Defender New Services

Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. will give admissions preference to descendants of slaves owned by Maryland Jesuits as part of its effort to atone for profiting from the sale of enslaved Blacks. Georgetown’s President John DeGioia announced the move in conjunction with the release of a university report calling on its leaders to offer a formal apology for the school’s participation in the slave trade. In 1838, to alleviate Georgetown’s debt, the two priests who served as president sold 272 Black men, women and children who had been part of the school’s

Jesuit Catholic community, for $115,000, or roughly $3.3 million in today’s dollars. The transaction was one of the most thoroughly documented large sales of slaves in U.S. history, and the names of many of those sold are included in bills of sale, a transport manifest and other documents. Genealogical research conducted by Georgetown, the New York Times and other organizations, identified many living descendants of those sold by the school into slavery. DeGioia said Georgetown will actively recruit those descendants to the university. They will have the same admissions advantage currently given to people whose parents or grandparents attended Georgetown.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

‘Southside with You’ looks at Obamas Defender News Services Writer-director Richard Tanne seeks to tell a simple love story in his debut movie, “Southside with You,” by highlighting a not so simple couple – President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers portray Barack and Michelle Obama. "I went into it with a certain willful nationwide Friday, Sept. 2, tells the ignorance," Tanne said. "I really did story of the Obama’s first date in set out to make a date movie and it 1989 when they were both working became a lot more because when at Chicago's Sidley Austin law firm – your characters are Barack and Michelle as an associate and Barack Michelle Obama it becomes a story as her mentee. of Chicago, it becomes the story Michelle, played by Tika of a divided city, a story of race in Sumpter, accompanies Barack to America, art and pop culture...it a community meeting, and does becomes more than what I signed on not want it viewed as a date. The for." film chronicles the events that To make the movie as apolitical transpire that day, some of which as possible, Tanne ignored political actually happened later on in their news to maintain focus on the relationship. One such scene is of Obama’s personal tale. the actual community organizing Critics have responded meeting where movie-goers get a well, calling the film “genuinely glimpse of the future president's romantic” and insightful regarding oratory skills. the personas of the first couple. Tanne cast relatively unknown The film, which opened actor Parker Sawyers to play Obama.

President and Mrs. Obama are the subject of “Southside with You.”

what’sup BEYONCÉ is under vocal rest, causing her to postpone a MetLife Stadium concert until Oct. 7. All of her other tour dates will proceed as planned. Beyoncé recently turned 35 and celebrated at a star-studded “Soul Train” theme party in New York City ……..Actress GABRIELLE UNION broke her silence on director NATE PARKER’S rape allegations in a powerful op-ed for the Los Angeles Times. Union, who appears in Parker’s “Birth of a Nation” as an unnamed slave who is raped, has long been a champion for sexual assault victims. She was raped at gunpoint at age 19. Union, now

43, said that she didn’t know of the 1999 rape allegations against Parker and his then college roommate and “Birth of a Nation” collaborator Jean McGianni Celestin when she signed up for the film two years ago, and found herself in “a state of stomach-churning confusion” since learning of them last month. Parker was acquitted of the charges...….KANYE WEST is under fire for a “multiracial women only” casting call. West tweeted a casting call for his Yeezey Season 4 New York Fashion Week show. It was reported that more than 500 modeling hopefuls showed up for their chance to make it into Yeezy’s

show……..ALICIA KEYS has come under fire for attending the MTV Video Music Awards without wearing makeup. Her husband SWIZZ BEATZ took to social media to defend her. None of the backlash is stopping her unplanned movement however. Keys recently persuaded NBC’s TAMRON HALL and AL ROKER to remove their makeup on air. Keys said she’s not anti-makeup, but doesn’t want to feel forced to wear it. “I don’t want to cover up anymore,” she said. “Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing.”

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SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016 | DEFENDER

ONE DAY

Harris County pays for street improvements

As part of an agreement approved by Houston City Council, Harris County Precinct One will pay for additional street improvements worth millions of dollars within the Houston city limits by year’s end. This is a continuation of an arrangement Mayor Sylvester Turner and outgoing Commissioner Gene Locke negotiated earlier in the year. A total of $45 million of projects are planned. “Houstonians are more concerned about seeing results than they are about which governmental entity is paying for them,” said Mayor Turner. “This is government working together to meet the needs of our shared constituents. It is city/county Mayor Sylvester Turner cooperation at its best.” “I have a strong belief in governmental agencies working together,” Locke said. “The mayor and council have demonstrated Commissioner Gene Locke a willingness to work with Precinct One on a number of projects that benefit the citizens and improve the quality of life in various neighborhoods." Harris County has already started work on about seven miles of city streets, including work around NRG Stadium in anticipation of Super Bowl LI. City Council’s vote clears the way for another five plus miles of city streets to be totally reconstructed or overlaid with asphalt by Harris County in the next four months. The following city street segments were included in the most recent council action: • Amboy/Wayne from Liberty Road to Quitman • Carr Street from Mills to Quitman • Hiram Clarke Rd. from Beltway 8 to W. Fuqua • Lee Street from Semmes to Jensen • Nobl Ruth Street from Scott Street to dead-end • Scott Street from Elgin to Old Spanish Trail • Semmes Street from Lorraine to Campbell • Sumpter Street from Semmes to Jensen •Waco/Hirsch from I -10 to Clinton Drive

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DEFENDER |SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016

opinion Voting rights:

We've got the power

By DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS

t has been said that if a lie is told loudly and often enough, it will stand as the truth. Just as many people believe that no lie can stand the test of time and that truth will ultimately prevail. Recent decisions from several courts in different locations have confirmed my belief that no lie can live forever. When the Supreme Court struck down Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, proponents of civil and voting rights cautioned against the potential for reinstatement of legal impediments to equitable voting practices. Recently, voter identification/ registration laws in Texas, Kansas, Wisconsin, North Dakota and North Carolina have been challenged. Some of these laws have been overturned; others have been returned to lower courts or legislatures for corrective action. Those who hold the right to vote sacred welcome the abolishment and/or suspension of their enforcement. Light is shed on the fallacy of "voter fraud laws and the truth of their predictable outcome of discriminatory voter suppression." What we’ve seen is blatant Republican partisanship in passing laws that have the effect of diluting the strength of nonwhite voters. This tactic assures the election of candidates who, otherwise, could not be elected on the merits of their policies or positions. Instead, Republicans suppress the votes of those who likely oppose their candidates. Below is a brief overview of these court decisions: Kansas – Residents were required to show proof-of-citizenship. Courts waived that requirement for federal elections, but Kansas continues the appeal for proof-of -citizenship prior to registration or voting in state and city elections. Recent court rulings require Kansas to count the votes of those who didn’t show proof-of -citizenship before registration. North Dakota – No photo ID is required to register, but, to vote, one must present a photo ID. A federal judge blocked the law requiring an ID

Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

to vote, noting that 25 percent of eligible Native Americans did not possess "proper" ID. He said, "No eligible voter, regardless of their station in life, should be denied the opportunity to vote." Wisconsin –This voter ID law has been challenged and debated. Although still enforced, a U.S. district judge struck down several parts of this strict law, reinstated provisions for early voting, eliminated certain residency restrictions, recognized expired student IDs and struck down a ban on emailing absentee ballots. The judge said that “a preoccupation with mostly phantom election fraud leads to real incidents of disenfranchisement." Texas – A federal appeals court ruled that Texas' voter ID law had a discriminatory impact on voters and ordered a lower court to provide a "fix" before November's elections. North Carolina – The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals was most critical of the evil intent of oppressive laws which made voting impossible for some and unnecessarily difficult for others. It noted

that data was requested to identify Black voting practices and that the Legislature enacted laws to specifically suppress Black voting. The court said the law restricted voting and registration in five ways, all of which disproportionately affected African Americans. The lesson we take from these rulings is if the right to vote weren’t valuable, no one would try to take it. Fannie Lou Hamer, Amelia Boynton, John Lewis, Dick Gregory, James Orange, and all the foot-soldiers who endured beatings and constant danger understood that. To Medgar, Martin and others, the right to vote was worth the sacrifice of their lives. My heart breaks hearing someone ask, “What good does voting do?” Voting represents the singular time in life when we’re equal. No vote counts more than ours. It can defeat the evil we see in our nation. Not voting dilutes our strength and relinquishes our power to our enemies! We’ve got the power so let’s make it work for us! Dr. E. Faye Williams is national president of the National Congress of Black Women.

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SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016 | DEFENDER

Internet Essentials bridges digital divide the program was an ambitious one, and he did not know how effective it would ultimately become. However, Cohen said n an effort to bridge the gap between he is thankful that the program has since people who have access to computer changed lives. technology and those who don't, "Since the launch of the program, Comcast released a five-year progress Comcast has distributed 54,000 subsidized report stating how their Internet computers and partnered with more than Essentials program has since achieved that 9,000 community partners, including goal. schools and school districts, communityOver 3 million low-income Americans based organizations, elected officials, and (or 750,000 families) now have low-cost, businesses who understand the importance high-speed Internet service at home all of bringing the Internet home," Cohen because of the program. said. David L. Cohen, senior executive "We've also made over 25 vice president and chief diversity officer enhancements to the program, and we were of Comcast Corporation, made the able to improve the application process, announcement alongside six-time Olympic the quality of the Internet service and medalist and retired track-and-field star engage more communities in the relevance Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who was recently Olympic medalist and track and field great Jackie Joyner-Kersee joined Comcast’s David and value of the Internet in the 21st Cohen in discussing the digital divide. named the new national spokesperson for century." Internet Essentials. Cohen said though he is proud of the my hometown of East St. Louis, at my foundation’s Joyner-Kersee said she witnessed first-hand progress and how Internet Essentials has made a community center, I’ve personally seen the kids who how the lack of Internet service and digital literacy meaningful dent in the digital divide, there is still grow up without Internet service at home and the at home can have a huge impact on children’s more work to be done. impact it has on their futures. education, and that’s why she decided to use this "With the recent announcement of our expansion “I’m just thankful and proud to represent platform to make a difference. to HUD-assisted homes, we look forward to bringing Internet Essentials and help close the digital divide, “Sometimes we may take things in life for this essential connection to even more families over so every child could have the chance to develop to granted, and we assume everyone has Internet, and the next couple of years. There is still more good their fullest potential and reach their dreams." that's not the case," said Joyner-Kersee. "Back in work to do,” he said. Cohen said in the beginning, the launch of

Where barbecue and voting facts are served daily.

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Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption to showing photo ID at the polls. The application must contain written documentation from either the U.S. Social Security Administration evidencing he or she has been determined to have a disability or from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs evidencing a disability rating of at least 50 percent.

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016

Houston's many food deserts (above, in green) are concentrated in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods.

Hwy 288 plan offers Third Ward options

cente

FOOD DESERT Black community lacks quality grocery stores 0

2.5

10 mi

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Date: 8/31/2016 Source: USDA Economic Research Service, ESRI. For more information: http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/documentation.aspx

any residents of Third Ward near Hwy 288 and MacGregor are part of the 23.5 million Americans living in food deserts – a community in which one-third of the population lives more than one mile from the nearest large supermarket or grocery store in an urban area, and more than 10 miles in a rural area. In these geographic areas access to affordable, healthy food options (aka fresh fruits and veggies) is limited or nonexistent. It is no coincidence that of these 23.5 million, nearly half of them are also low-income. Residents at Hwy 288 and

MacGregor hope to erase their name from the food desert roll, as there are plans to place an H-E-B at that location. However, plans have yet to be confirmed, which is part of the reason City Councilman Dwight Boykins recently sponsored a public hearing on the state of those plans. “The public hearing [was] a one-time event as part of the process to bring an H-E-B to this particular parcel of land,” Boykins said. “However, there will continue to be ongoing conversations with community stakeholders on the existence of food deserts within District D and how we can work to provide residents with access to healthy food options.”

More than 500,000 Houstonians live in these deserts – that’s a quarter of the city’s population without widespread local access to fresh produce. This lack leads to serious health issues. The lack of access to quality food is directly related to the increase in diabetes rates, especially since the residents of most food deserts have up to 2.5 times the exposure to fast-food restaurants as those living in the wealthiest areas. Moreover, Houston’s obese population – two-thirds of residents – live in food deserts and rely heavily upon unhealthy processed or fatty foods from convenience stores and fast food establishments.

Also, a 2010 ‘Food for Every Child’ report showed a connection between high death rates in areas with poor supermarket access and the exorbitant amount Texas spends annually on obesityrelated deaths in the form of healthcare costs and ambulatory services. A study revealed that at least 20 percent of residents in Northside Village and Kashmere Gardens travel more than six miles to go grocery shopping. The Hwy 288 @ MacGregor area is not much better. In some food deserts there are 10 miles separating residents from healthy food options. However, because many food desert residents lack transportation, grocery stores

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FOOD DESERT F ACTS

• M o re th a n 5 0 0 ,0 00 H o u s to n ia the North ns li v e in fo o American d d e s e rt s – a q u a rt e Industry r o f th e c it y ’s p o p Classifica u la ti o n tio w it h o u t w System pla n id e s p re a d c es lo c a l a c c e small corn s s to fr e s h er p ro d u c e grocery sto res (which oft • H o u s to n e n has fe w e r g ro primarily c e ry s to re s e ll s p e r c a p it a packaged th an most food) large citie in the sam s in e the countr c ategory as y; a little more larger store than In food de s. 1,000 bus s e r t s , inesses • one-third o designated Residents populatio f the n by the Ha li v e s li ving in fo more than rris od o County Ap deserts als from the ne mile praisal o District as have a hard large supe nearest either rm a superma time findin grocery s arket or rket, g tore in an meat mark foods that et or u r b an area. convenien are cultura ce store. lly • The avera relevant a nd ge healthy adult, acco that meet rding to G their dieta o ry ogle maps, can restriction walk one s. • People li mile in 20 minute v in g in s, which a th p e oorest SE mou S (social-e to 40 minu conomic tes for a ro nts status) are as have 2.5 und trip – if you're tim only going the exposu re to fast-fo es a mile. Walking a lso od restaurants as those li shoppers c limits how much v an carry h in th g in e w ealthiest a ome on the return reas. trip. • In Housto n’s non-fo • Food des deserts, a od e rt s m ay supermark be under-re et was built every ported bec ause year conse cutively since 1 9 9 1.

TS just one mile away still prove challenging as a round trip on foot for an average adult would take 40 minutes. And walking limits the amount of groceries that can be transported home. The Hwy 288/MacGregor proposal is not the city’s first attempt to reduce its food deserts. Boykin’s District D welcomed the construction of Pyburn’s Farm Fresh Food in South Union in 2015. Pyburn’s was built with a funding agreement with the city requiring the store to provide customers with a shopping experience equal to that of grocery stores in high income areas of Houston. Additionally, the store’s loan agreement prohibits businesses inconsistent

Councilmember Dwight Boykins

with community revitalization (i.e. liquor stores and payday loan establishments) from residing close to the Pyburn’s. Many grocers view the higher

he Houston area for over 85 years

insurance rates and security costs for stores in low-income, highcrime areas – food desert territory – as cost prohibitive to building in the “hood.” Pyburn’s owner John Vuong, who has operated multiple stores in low to moderate income areas, is the exception, not the rule. Even after 2011 efforts from the White House and local leaders to eliminate food deserts, 20 supermarkets were built in Houston, and only the ALDI grocery store in north Houston was built in a low-income neighborhood. The City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD), however, has a plan to change this reality.

Tom McCasland, HCDD interim director, said, “Currently, the HCDD, in conjunction with several other city departments, is developing a 10year plan which will identify areas most in need and develop strategies to allocate the resources necessary to create complete communities that are healthy among other things. Alleviating food deserts will be part of that plan.” The recent public hearing co-hosted by McCasland’s office focused on doing so at Hwy 288 and MacGregor. Though some are celebrating a new supermarket in Third Ward, Janice Evans, Mayor Sylvester Turner’s communication director said, “The (Hwy 288 H-E-B) project still needs to be reviewed by the mayor and passed by City Council.”

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016

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Back to school: Set stage for kids’ success Family Features

Parents who put bright-eyed students on the bus for the very first time and seasoned moms and dads who know the drill inside and out know that gearing up for another year of school is a process. Often, it’s the first days that set the tone for the school year to come. Help your child feel prepared and confident to tackle whatever the school year brings with these tips for a successful start.

Plan wellbalanced meals – Summer break brings a lax approach to many aspects of life, and healthy eating is often one of them. However, nutrition plays an important role in overall development and countless studies show correlation between academic performance and good nutrition. During the new school year, work at creating healthy menus. If hectic scheduling makes it difficult to get well-balanced meals in lunchboxes and on the dinner table through the week, allocate a portion of the weekend for a family prep session.

Reinstate bedtimes – Easing back into earlier bedtimes will make things smoother for everyone when the alarms start ringing on early school day mornings. Make sure you get your kids back in bed early enough to capture at least 10 hours of sleep, the amount recommended for school-aged children and adolescents by the National Institutes of Health.

Get creative to boost enthusiasm – Part of the fun of heading back to the classroom is a shiny new set of supplies. Despite a keyboard and touchscreen-driven world, sales of color-focused products like felt-tip markers, porous (fine line) pens and colored pencils are on the rise. Zebra Pen continues to introduce products that allow for personal expression, whether in the ink color chosen for notes or the barrel design to complement your kids’ style. A complete selection can be found online at ZebraPen.com.

Explore outside of academics – Developing interests outside the classroom builds confidence and character, teaches discipline and may help reveal hidden passions or talents that translate into future scholarships or career choices. Explore the options available in your community.

Express personality with style – Encouraging your child to develop his or her own unique personality can be tough with social “rules” and official policies that determine dress code, supplies and more. When you get down to it, though, there are dozens of ways to let kids explore personal expression without breaking any rules or subjecting them to unwanted attention. Even at schools with uniforms or dress codes, there is some latitude when it comes to accessorizing. Dress codes vary, but many allow flexibility in things such as socks, shoes, hair bows and jewelry. For younger students, the area designated as a student’s own may be limited to a backpack or storage cubby. For older kids, there’s an entire locker to consider. Customizing these personal areas lets kids assert a clear stamp of individuality. Photos, artwork and treasured mementoes bring these personal spaces to life.

Help your child understand, prepare for tests You can be a great help to your child if you observe certain do's and don'ts about tests and testing. Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Education. Talk to your child about testing. It's helpful for children to understand why schools give tests and to know the different kinds of tests they will take. Encourage your child. Praise him or her for the things they do well. If children feel good about themselves, they will do their best on a test. Children who are afraid of failing are more likely to become anxious when taking tests and

more likely to make mistakes. Meet with your child's teacher as often as possible to discuss his progress. Ask the teacher to suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and to improve your child's understanding of schoolwork. Make sure that your child attends school regularly. The more effort and energy your child puts into learning, the more likely it is that he or she will do well on tests. Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home and make sure your child is

well-rested on school days and especially on the day of a test. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test. Provide books and magazines for your child to read at home. Ask your child's teacher for lists of books for outside reading or get suggestions from your local library. Help your child avoid test anxiety. Worrying too much about doing well on a test can mean disaster for your child. One suggestion is to start studying for a test well in advance. Don't "cram" the night before.

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SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016 | DEFENDER

10 low-cost business ideas to launch Countless Americans dream about starting their own business. No matter what your motivation is for being your own boss, you can start a business much sooner than you think and for far less. Here are 10 low-cost, easy-tostart business ideas from the SBA. 1. Independent sales representative – Major direct selling companies such as Mary Kay, Avon, Herbalife, Pampered Chef and Primerica all offer the opportunity for individuals to enroll as independent sales reps on a part-time or full-time basis. 2. Online content production – If you write well and have a topic that your passionate about, why not start a content production business? You can easily promote your skills and services on sites where businesses look for contract workers. 3. Online retailer – Are there products that you want to sell? Do you have a passion for a specific industry? Sites such as eBay, Etsy and Amazon let you open up an online storefront for as little as $20 a month. 4. Social media management services

– Businesses of all sizes need help managing their social media profiles and activity. Major platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

are important networks that companies need in order to raise brand awareness and promote their products. 5. Virtual assistant – For less than $100

you can start a virtual assistant business from the convenience of your own home. The work can include researching, data entry and appointment setting. 6. Consulting services – Is there a subject that you have extensive expertise on? Why not put the value of your knowledge to work by launching a consulting business? 7. Web design services – The majority of small businesses don’t have large budgets for website design. If you know how to create websites you can start a business and start off by working with clients from your local community. 8. Affiliate marketing – Certain businesses will pay affiliates to promote their products through various methods such as banner advertising, text ads and email marketing. To learn more about affiliate marketing check out sites such as Amazon Associates, Commission Junction, ShareASale and ClickBank. 9. Pet sitting – Pet sitters charge as much as $100 for overnight stays, and $20 for a 20-minute visit is typical in the industry. 10. Driving service – With platforms such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, you can turn the car you currently own into a business without spending a single dollar.

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016

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sports

Texans’ Lamar Miller becomes difference maker

By MAX EDISON Defender

he NFL season is beginning and there is tremendous optimism around the Houston Texans headquarters. The defending AFC South champions have one of the league’s stoutest defenses and an offense that should make significant strides forward in 2016. General Manager Rick Smith had a productive offseason. He acquired what the team believes is their franchise quarterback in Brock Osweiler. Smith also secured Lamar Miller, a talented running back from the Miami Dolphins. He is just the type of talent who can propel an offense to higher heights. Miller is a 5-foot-10, 225-pound dynamo with speed to go the distance on any play, and his game is an ideal complement for Osweiler’s arm. He will be the replacement for an extremely productive although in recent years, a very-injury prone, Arian Foster. Miller is quick to dismiss comparisons to Foster. “Arian has been a great back in the league, a Pro Bowl guy,” Miller said. “I just try to go out and do what I do to the best of my ability. I don’t put pressure on myself to be Arian. I just do Lamar Miller. That means just being a three-down back, preparing myself and working hard every day.” It makes good sense that the Texans would pursue Miller in free agency. The team got a firsthand display of his ability when they faced the Dolphins last season. Miller shredded the Texan defense for 175 yards on 14 carries, including a 54-yard reception and an 85-yard touchdown scamper. He is an explosive player on the field but a quiet, low-key guy in the locker room, a trait that head coach Bill O’Brien appreciates. “I really like his professionalism,” O’Brien said. “[Miller] is a quiet guy who works really hard. He’s a really good teammate. I really believe he enjoys playing here. He likes our system and is a good guy to coach.” O’Brien added that Miller leads by example. “He’s a very hard worker and a tough guy. It’s funny; people ask me what type of runner he is. He can run inside, he can run outside, he can move the pile, he’s a tough, tough running back and he can do different things for us so it’s good to have him.” Miller chose the Texans because playing for the team afforded him the opportunity to be a featured running back, a privilege that he never truly had in four years at Miami. “The opportunity has been good so far,” Miller said. “I’m here every day just

Lamar Miller facts

• Age: 25 • Hometown: Miami • Named Parade All-American as high school senior after rushing for 1,749 yards on 217 carries with 22 touchdowns • At University of Miami rushed for 1,272 yards in 2011 • Selected by Miami Dolphins with second pick in fourth round of 2012 NFL draft • Recorded 97-yard touchdown against Jets in 2014, tied for third-longest run in NFL history • Finished 2014 season ranked among NFL leaders in every major rushing statistic • Has six career 100-yard rushing games • Signed by Texans in March 2016

Running back Miller came to Houston from the Miami Dolphins.

trying to put in the work and trying to get better. I’m getting used to the scheme and how the guys block so I still have a lot of room for improvement.” Miller feels that more touches equals greater productivity. “I’m pretty sure every running back wants the ball in their hands, so I feel like the more opportunities that you get, you get comfortable and you start feeling it,” Miller continued. “Once you start feeling that as a running back it makes your job easier and obviously the offensive line, they make your job easier as well.” Not only is Miller the Texans’ No. 1 running back, but he is the elder statesman among a talented young group of backs on the Texans roster. It’s a new role for Miller. “Since day one, those guys welcomed me,” he said. “I’m here every day trying to lead by example. Just come out here, do my assignment, play fast and try to make plays when my number is called.” It has been said that a young quarterback’s best friend is a potent rushing attack. The Texans feel like they have captured that in Lamar Miller.

defendernetwork.com Arian Foster finds new life in Miami

Miller is considered a complement for quarterback Brock Osweiler.

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SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone Worthing’s Robinson-Cox brings heart, leadership By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

yshau Robinson-Cox represents a pointof-emphasis for Worthing High School head football coach Brandon Ellis. The senior running back has proven to be a difference maker in his three years with the Colts’ varsity squad. While trying to nurture along a young offensive line, Ellis knows creating running room for Robinson-Cox is one sure recipe for success in 2016. In a 7-3 victory over Sharpstown in week two, Worthing scored the game’s only touchdown on its opening drive Worthing running back Tyshau Robinson-Cox and head coach Brandon Ellis want to with Robinson-Cox doing much of win big in District 11-4A. the heavy lifting. Ellis said. “I know he’s going to be at practice The former transfer from every day and take care of his business.” North Forest High School following his freshman In a season-opening 31-21 loss at Brazosport, year rushed for 49 yards on four carries in the first Ellis said the game plan was aborted earlier than quarter to get within striking distance of the goal necessary. “We got away from Ty a little bit last line. week when we shouldn’t have,” he said. “We’ve Worthing quarterback Deeago Thomas scored got to get him going.” on a one-yard TD plunge and the Colts held on for Worthing resides in District 11-4A along with the first victory of the 2016 campaign to even their Kashmere, North Forest, Scarborough, Booker record at 1-1. T. Washington, Wheatley and Yates. The top four “It’s always good teams in the standings to come out with a will earn a berth in the win against a good defendernetwork.com playoffs at the end of Sharpstown team,” Ellis Area powerhouses meet in volleyball the regular season. said. “Our guys are Robinson-Cox said young and they’re still his Colts want to be trying to learn the game one of those four schools vying in the postseason. of football. “We’ve got a good squad, a good group. We bust “We’ve got some young puppies up front that our butts every day,” he said. still have some growing up to do. We’re trying to “We’re trying to get our young guys ready coach them up so they can be tough in the trenches. for next week at St. Pius (Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.),” They have to understand that getting No. 4 Robinson-Cox said. “We want to get a win and then (Robinson-Cox) some running room is a priority,” some more wins so we can be the district champ.” Ellis said. Robinson-Cox cites math as his favorite Robinson-Cox finished the Sharpstown game subject at school and likes to read and write when with 60 yards on 14 carries. He also caught two he wants to relax. His favorite player in the NFL is passes for 19 additional yards. Minnesota Vikings standout running back Adrian “One of our key points in the week leading Peterson. up to each game is how to get Tyshau the ball,” “Ty is a quiet guy. He doesn’t talk a lot,” Ellis Ellis said. “He brings heart and leadership to the said. “When he puts that helmet on, he’s going table for us. He’s a great guy. to hit you. He’s going to bring that fire.” That’s “Ty and I have a really good relationship. We another point of emphasis. go back and forth at each other all week long,”

Golf

sportsbriefs Obama on Kaepernick By now many observers have formulated an opinion on quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his decision to not stand for the national anthem before 49er games. Even President Obama said he understands Kaepernick’s position and said he was the latest in a long line of sports figures to highlight social issues. “He’s exercising his constitutional right to make a statement,” Obama told a group of reporters in China. “Maybe some critics will see he has a point around justice and equality. Sometimes it’s messy. But that’s how democracy works.” Obama added that he would rather have engaged young people “trying to think through how they can be part of our democratic process than people who are just sitting on the sidelines and not paying attention at all.”

Watt returns to Texans Prior to the first game of the NFL regular season the Texans got the best news of the summer – J.J. Watt is back. Watt underwent back surgery before training camp. The team announced Watt had passed his physical and was reinstated to the active roster. Of course the question on every Texan fan’s mind was whether Watt would play against the Bears in the season opener. “I would say that he will play,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “Beyond that, I won’t be able to answer much.” Watt, a three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year, has not missed a game since he entered the league in 2011.

New faces on sidelines There are 24 new high school head football coaches roaming the Houston area sidelines this season from Class 6A to 3A. Each coach has his own story and that fuels the carousel that is created by the coaching turnover every year. Michael Watkins is the new head coach at Yates High School. His story is a recurring theme among coaches – a former graduate who wants to restore the program’s rich winning tradition. Yates missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 1977. Watkins previously coached at Cypress Ridge and Sam Houston before going back to his alma mater. He lives in the Third Ward community and doesn’t view his new job as a bridge to going somewhere else. “We have to show the kids what this Yates tradition is all about,” Watkins said. “What it means to be at this great school and represent this community.”

No. 1 bites dust again The high school football season is only two weeks old. Yet the top-ranked Class 6A team in the Houston area has lost for the second week in a row. North Shore, the defending Class 6A Division I state champion and No. 1-ranked 6A school in Houston, suffered a 26-13 setback at the hands of Manvel. The Mavericks are the top-ranked Class 5A team in Houston. North Shore led Manvel 13-12 with 10 minutes, 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, Manvel scored 14 unanswered points to end the game on Kam Scott’s 60-yard TD pass from Kason Martin and Sam Smith’s 29-yard TD run.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016

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SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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

topevents

NORTH HOUSTON FRONTIERS CLUB LUNCHEON……..The North Houston their communities. Speakers for the event were Ashley Turner, Kim Roxie and Chris Frontiers Club hosted a corporate luncheon at Masraff’s in the Galleria to show Noble. Guests were taken on a tour of the facility and treated to refreshments. In appreciation to the partners who have supported their mission. Club President Donnell attendance were Charolette Davis, Odessa Stanford, Helen Griffan, Carol Tyson, Cooper was proud of the fact they have given over $1 million in scholarships. Shirley Marie Ledet, Shannon McNair, Jessica Duckworth, Tiffany Salcido and many Williams did an outstanding job as usual putting together a great luncheon. The pastors and community members……..CELEBRITY BASKETBALL GAME…….. final touches are being made on the notable event of the group, the annual Dr. Martin DRAKE (ALIAS OVO) AND RAP-A-LOT RECORDS hosted a Houston Celebrity Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Jan. 16 at the George R. Brown convention Basketball Game at Texas Southern University. Rap-A-Lot founder James Prince and son Jas welcomed basketball stars, elected officials and Olympic Center. The keynote speaker will be Houston Mayor Sylvester gold medalist Simone Manuel. The event benefited a number of Turner. Some of the attendees at the corporate luncheon were Defender TOP EVENTS charities. The OVO team emerged the winner. Attendees included Vanessa Reed, Lily Rawls, Felicia Brown, Fatima Abdulloh, More photos on defendernetwork.com Mayor Sylvester Turner, HISD board member Jolanda Jones, Peggy Preston, James Harris of H-E-B, Shavonda Harris, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m. KHOU-TV Susan McEldoon, Alexandria Williams, James former NBA players T.J. Ford and Rashard Lewis, slam dunk Smith, Wilma Evans, KMJQ –FM Gary Spurgeon, Eric winner Maxwell Evans of Bellaire High School, Rap-A-Lot artists Baker, Tiffany Riggs, Nancy and Roger Lapham, Melissa Sarah “Raiven” Pirwany and Q. Guyton, Jay Ellis, Mikhail Oliver……..PASTORS AND COMMUNITY SUMMIT……..The Rose Houston McLean, Fox 26’s Coco Dominguez, Street Flava host D Solo, Miss TSU CaSandra hosted the 2nd Pastors and Community Summit at the Rose Galleria. The event Cantue, Mr. TSU Trevin Hooks, O.G. Horseman, Mitchell Seraille, Shannon Hunt, empowered Houston faith leaders with the tools to promote breast health care among Shamia Gaines, Jade Washington, Breshaun Franklin and Brittany McGowan.

Susan McEldoon, Donnell Cooper

Charolette Davis, Odessa Stanford

Mayor Sylvester Turner, James Prince

Melissa Oliver, Roderick Jones, Shirley Williams

Kim Roxie, Ashley Turner, Mrs. Scott

Simone Manuel, young fan

Eric Baker, Donnell Cooper, James Harris, Gary Spurgeon

Helen Griffan, Carol Tyson, Marie Ledet

T.J. Ford, Rashard Lewis

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2016

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