Houston Defender: September 14, 2017

FEATURE

EPA EXAMINING TOXIC HOUSTON AREA FLOODWATERS. P9

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NEWSTALK SYLVESTER TURNER calls for a temporary property tax hike

P2 NATIONAL BLACK IMMIGRANTS affected

by DACA

#HoustonStrong

P3 H.S. ZONE DARRIUS SMITH using star power at Pearland Dawson

P11 TOP EVENTS

FEMA H PAGE 6

Bun B

spearheads telethon The Houston rapper brought together some of the biggest celebrities for a Hurricane Harvey relief telethon. Find out why Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Oprah Winfrey and others remain committed to raising money.

Anne Clutterbuck, Elvin Franklin Jr., and Ann Franklin at the Elvin Franklin building dedication.

10 Things to know Sloane Stephens wins U.S. Open

With a $3.7 million dollar payday on the line, the tennis star showed her Black Girl Magic, beating Madison Keys for the Grand Slam title.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017

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Students return to school after Harvey distribute donations for students and families impacted by Harvey.

“We have challenges ahead of us, but After a two-week delay for many schools due we’re ready to rebuild,” Carranza said. “We to Hurricane Harvey, students across the Houston are ready to get back to educating our kids, area began returning to classrooms. and get them close to some sense of norIn HISD, some schools opened on Sept. 11-12, malcy.” while others are scheduled to open on Sept. 18 and Fort Bend ISD students returned to classSept. 25. After completing an assessment of 306 rooms on Sept. 12. Students and staff members school and office buildings, HISD found that nine from the flood-damaged Juan Seguin Elemenschools had substantial damages that will require tary will be housed at two nearby schools, students to attend classes at nearby vacant school James Patterson Elementary and David Crockbuildings or underutilized campuses. ett Middle School.

The nine schools are Liberty High School, Bur“We wanted to make sure the students and bank Middle School and seven elementary schools staff experience a successful start to the 2017– Askew, Braeburn, Hilliard, Kolter, Mitchell, 18 school year, regardless of where they Robinson and Scarborough. attend class each day,” said FBISD SuperinSuperintendent Richard Carranza crisscrossed tendent Dr. Charles Dupre. the city on a six-campus tour to welcome the first “Although Hurricane Harvey has disstudents back to school, and was joined by members HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza kicked off the first day of school riding a rupted the beginning of our school year, we of the HISD Board of Education. school bus with district children. are doing all we can to minimize the impacts Carranza also joined Mayor Sylvester Turner at cally underserved schools. on teaching and learning – our educators are Bruce Elementary School to speak about the recovery Carranza and trustees later gathered at Delmar eager to get back to doing what they do best each and from Harvey, and the Achieve 180 initiative the district is Fieldhouse to thank volunteers who worked to collect and every day.” rolling out to attack barriers to achievement at 32 historiDefender News Services

Mayor seeks property tax hike for hurricane recovery Defender News Services

Mayor Sylvester Turner will ask City Council to approve an 8.9 percent hike in the city’s property tax rate this fall to help Houston recover from Hurricane Harvey.

Turner’s proposal, which will begin with a series a public hearings later this month and reach a formal vote in mid-October, would increase the property tax rate from 58.64 cents per $100 of appraised value to 63.87 cents.

That is what the city’s tax rate was four years ago, before a 13-year-old voter-imposed limit on Houston’s property tax collections began forcing City Council to cut the rate each year to avoid bringing in more revenue than allowed.

Turner is able to propose an increase beyond the restrictions of the so-called revenue cap by declaring an emergency, allowing the city to collect a projected $113 million for one year.

Debris removal could cost more than $200 million and will require the city to foot 10 percent of the

bill without being reimbursed by the federal government. Houston also lost 334 city vehicles and saw the municipal courts building, City Hall and its adjacent annex, and two sewage treatment plants knocked offline by flooding.

“If this is not an emergency, I don’t know what is,” Turner said. “What we’re able to recoup from one year, the $113 million, will not even be enough to cover the expenses we will have incurred. What we don’t get from the feds we’ll have to come up with ourselves. I would not be doing my job if I did not advance it.”

eligible families recovering from a disaster. D-SNAP is available to eligible residents of the counties with a federal disaster declaration who weren’t receiving benefits through regular SNAP at the time of the disaster. “The devastation from Hurricane Harvey will impact Texas families for years to come,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “In this time of need, this program will help Texans get back on their feet faster, as they will have one less thing to worry about. The State of Texas will continue to do everything it can to help Texans rebuild their lives as quickly as possible.”……..FREE TETANUS SHOTS are being given by Lone Star Family Health Center to any

community member impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

First responders, volunteer responders, clean-up volunteers and residents displaced from homes are encouraged to visit Lone Star’s Conroe Clinic, 605 S. Conroe Medical Drive in Conroe. Call (936) 539-4004 for more information…….METRO IS OFFERING FREE RIDES to all area students through Sept. 30. Parents accompanying students to school may also ride for free. Metro staff worked around the clock to get nearly all of the routes running again. A handful are detoured, abbreviated or combined due to high water. More buses are being used to meet higher ridership demands.

localbriefs JURY DUTY IS CANCELLED FOR the next two weeks, thanks to Hurricane Harvey. Harris County officials said any person who was summoned by the district clerk or sheriff’s office between now and Sept.

22 does not need to appear or reschedule. District Attorney Kim Ogg’s office said after the basement of the courthouse flooded downtown, it may take up to eight months to return to normal……..THE TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION has begun offering disaster food relief, commonly known as D-SNAP, for victims of Hurricane Harvey. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides short-term food benefits for

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national

U.S.briefs CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE HAS BEEN TAPPED to serve as the Chairperson of The 47th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), which will be held in Washington, D.C., Sept. 20-24, 2017.

The ALC is a leading policy conference on issues impacting the national and global African American communities. Jackson Lee says the CBCF will honor hurricane survivors. “This deadly hurricane hit low income individuals and communities of color extensively. We know the pain, but we also know the resilience and joy that has come from the people of this region. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation will be helping the survivors of both of these hurricanes to construct and advocate for a powerful and significant response to their families, seniors, children, small businesses and other needs.”

STARBUCKS HAS TAPPED former Sam’s Club president and CEO Rosalind Brewer as its newest chief operating officer and group president, making her the first female and first Black American to grace the highest echelons of the coffee company. Beginning Oct. 2, Brewer will oversee the company’s operating businesses across Canada, the United States and Latin America. Her new position is the secondhighest after Starbucks President and CEO Kevin Johnson. Brewer, who joined the Starbucks board of directors in January, already has more than 30 years of management and executive leadership experience under her belt……THE DECISION TO BRING KID ROCK IN as the opening act for a new sports arena in predominantly Black Detroit has injected the musician into the national debate over race and culture because of his embrace of the Confederate flag, an expletivelaced criticism of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and unabashed support for President Donald Trump. Kid Rock, who is white, has been lauded for his philanthropy and support of Detroit, but his recent criticism of Kaepernick has prompted one civil rights organization in Detroit to plan a protest and call for the concerts to be canceled….…

VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 49 SEPTEMBER 14 , 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard

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

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DACA also affects Black undocumented immigrants Defender News Services

Most of the attention surrounding President Donald Trump’s decision to end a program protecting young undocumented immigrants in the U.S. from being deported has centered on Latinos.

But the announcement to rescind the federal government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) also threatens a separate demographic rarely mentioned in the popular Jonathan Jayes-Green (courtesy of Jonathan Jayes-Green); Tobore Oweh (courtesy of Tebore Oweh); Mwewa Sumbwe (courtesy of Mwewa Sumbwe) immigration narrative: Black immigrants. just one years old. “We live in bubbles, like individual Of the roughly 11 million undocumented imcells. However, we are expected to live and do everymigrants in America, just about 600,000 of them are thing as the rest of society. But how?”

Black, according to the most recent statistics by the One of Trump’s signature campaign promises was Migration Policy Institute. That’s a close second to the to tighten and ramp up enforcement of immigration nearly 800,000 undocumented Latino immigrants in laws, but arguably the hallmark of his candidacy was the U.S. the repeated vows to undo a number of former PresiThe Trump administration started taking aim at the dent Barack Obama’s achievements. undocumented population just days after the presiObama recently defended those who were at risk dent was inaugurated, with much of the media reports of being forced from the only country most of them focused on federal agents subsequently rounding up have ever known.

Latinos to deport them.

“To target these young people is wrong – because It is important to note that Black immigrants were they have done nothing wrong,” Obama wrote in a being “detained and deported at five times the rate of Facebook post. “Whatever concerns or complaints their presence in the undocumented immigrant comAmericans may have about immigration in general, munity,” data from the Black Alliance for Just Immiwe shouldn’t threaten the future of this group of young gration (BAJI) has shown. people who are here through no fault of their own, “We, as undocumented people living in this counwho pose no threat, who are not taking away anything try, feel jailed,” said Shariece Wright, who is Black from the rest of us.” and arrived from the Bahamas in 1985 when she was

Trump administration sabotages Obamacare Associated Press

Affirming its disdain for “Obamacare,” the Trump administration has announced sharp cuts in programs promoting health care enrollment under the Affordable Care Act for next year.

Advertising will be cut from $100 million spent on 2017 sign-ups to $10 million, said Health and Human Services officials.

Funding for consumer helpers called “navigators” will also be cut about 40 percent, from $62.5 million for 2017, to $36.8 million for next year. That change reflects a new performance-based ethic that penalizes navigator programs failing to meet their sign-up targets.

About 12.2 million people signed up for subsidized private health insurance under former President Barack Obama’s signature law this year, many in states that President Donald Trump carried in November. Current enrollment is estimated to be around 10 million, due to attrition also seen in prior years.

Top Democrats accused the administration of malice.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said the administration is waging a “cynical effort to lower enrollment” that would “create chaos” and increase premiums.

Her Senate counterpart, Chuck Schumer of New York, said the administration “is deliberately attempting to sabotage our health care system,” adding that “the American people will know who’s to blame.”

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DEFENDER |SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Stars align to support hurricane victims Defender News Services

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ouston rapper Bun B brought at least 40 entertainers together in the name of hurricane relief.

The Sept. 12 “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief” telethon was a who’s who of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Kerry Washington, Drake, Ellen Degeneres, Questlove, Jamie Foxx, Joe Jonas, Karlie Kloss and Barbra Streisand.

Participants issued tributes, perBeyoncé , Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx formed, provided words of encouragement and some, like Julia Roberts and Anthony Anderson, simply answered phones or simply spoke to fans, to encourage them to donate funds.

The Hand in Hand Fund is a program of Comic Relief, which has for decades raised money for those affected by terrible turns of fate. According to Comic Relief, 100 percent of all funds raised by the telethon will go directly to agencies on the ground in affected areas. Those agencies, in turn, will be required to detail how they spent the money.

A number of celebrities have turned out en masse to help Texas in this difficult time. Beyoncé was in Texas recently, visiting shelters and taking videos with fans. She, her mother Tina Knowles, her daughter Blue and friend/ singer Michelle Williams also served food at a shelter. The star’s BeyGood Foundation is targeting Houston as an initiative.

Beyoncé has encouraged her fans to donate to two specific charities that are on the ground in Houston, Bread of Life and Greater Bun B

Houston Community Foundation.

Taylor Swift is another star who is donating funds. Swift threw her cash behind the Houston Food Bank, her own charity of choice.

Bun B, who in 2015 taught a class on religion and hip hop culture at Rice University, is one half of hip hop duo UGK. He worked with Ariana Grande’s tour “One Love Manchester” benefit concert producer Scooter Braun to see what could be done in terms of a concert. Bun B said the idea came about after he talked with a number of friends about how to make the largest impact.

“I reached out [to Braun], he was immediately receptive,” Bun B said. “We reached out to literally every major television network.

Everyone was like yeah, let’s do it, so literally within maybe, I would say 72 hours we put together a nationally televised telethon.”

The telethon aired on all the major stations and was hosted in Los Angeles by Foxx.

Michael Strahan was on the New York side of things while Nashville was held down by Reese Witherspoon and Blake Shelton.

Bun B said some of the proceeds will also go to victims of Hurricane Irma, which started out a Category 5 storm, and destroyed several Caribbean islands before pummeling Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Virgin Islands and prompting the evacuation of millions of Floridians who live along the coastlines. Walt Disney World even closed its parks in advance of the storm.

what’sup JORDAN PEELE of “Get Out” fame and iconic film director SPIKE LEE are coming together for a collaboration: a new thriller called “Black Klansman.”

The thriller is based on the true story of Ron Stallwoth, a Black detective in Colorado, who answered an ad in the local paper in 1978 seeking new Klan members.

Stallworth was able to become a member and quickly rose up through the ranks, becoming head of the local chapter. He would pretend to be a white supremacist over the phone and in written correspondence and then send a white colleague in his place for in-person meetings, thus allowing Stallworth to get insider

knowledge on the Klan’s activities. He was able to sabotage cross burnings and other events. In 2014, Stallworth published a book titled “Black Klansman” in which he detailed his experiences. JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON, the son of DENZEL WASHINGTON, is in talks to star in the film, with Peele set to produce and Lee set to direct…..Time Magazine unveiled profiles of 46 powerhouse women who have broken the glass ceiling in some way.

“FIRSTS: The Women Who Are Changing the World,” which will be available in book form on Sept. 19, is a celebration of women who have been the first in

their field to accomplish a major milestone, including AVA DUVERNAY (the first Black woman to direct a film nominated for a Best Picture Oscar), OPRAH WINFREY (the first woman to own and produce her own talk show) and SERENA WILLIAMS (the first tennis player to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles)…….The story of 12-year-old TAMIR RICE is being brought to life on film. The youngster was killed by a Cleveland police officer in 2014. His mother, Samaria, is developing “12: The Tamir Rice Story” in conjunction with Blue Angel Entertainment and Nonara Productions.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017

FEMA

#Houston

10 Things to know

By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 204,000 applications ($216 million) in individual assistance to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey. But thousands more Harvey survivors remain in limbo, they’ve filed for disaster assistance but have yet to hear back. The Defender has compiled a list of ten things to know to help you navigate the rocky FEMA waters.

“The state of Texas is undergoing one of the largest recovery-housing missions that the nation has ever seen. It’s a long process and it’s going to be very frustrating in Texas. We have to set the expectations.”

-FEMA administrator Brock Long

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The average FEMA claim is SUPPOSED to take 10 days, but realistically, it could take two to four weeks. FEMA has 10 days to respond to claims, though many residents say they immediately filed for disaster assistance and have yet to hear back. Long says all applications are being processed but everything is taking longer than normal. You’re urged to call to follow up your application or visit one of the FEMA centers near you.

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FEMA isn’t just handing out money. Chances are you’ve heard the stories about people who received $500 or more right away. While FEMA is depositing emergency funds in bank accounts for displaced residents, you had to check the box on the application that you were displaced. If you failed to do so online, you must call 1-800-621-3362 to adjust. Even then, the fund disbursement must still be approved.

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FEMA will send an inspector. After you have applied for disaster assistance and gotten a Registration number, an inspector will call and schedule an appointment as the first step toward receiving aid from the federal agency. The inspector will validate the damage. FEMA will use the information it obtains from the inspection to determine the amount of aid, if any, that homeowners are eligible to receive.

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Be prepared when the inspector arrives.

It’s best to be prepared before the inspector arrives. Have the appropriate documents on hand and a good handle on damages you have already spotted. You will need to show the inspector around.

Have proof of homeownership available, that can in-

clude a tax bill, mortgage payment book or utility bill.

Make sure to ask for identification from the FEMA inspector. Many scam artists are trying to prey on flood victims and try to disguise themselves as FEMA inspectors. Don’t let the inspector in your house without photo FEMA identification.

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Follow the inspector. If the inspector does not record damage that you believe was caused by the disaster, you should ask and see if the inspector can give you a good explanation for why he or she did not record the damage and consider using your phone to record a video of the inspection, and writing down your experience with the inspector immediately after the inspection is done, which could help later if you need to appeal

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Be prepared for multiple visitors. You may receive a visit from more than just FEMA. Representatives from the Small Business Administration along with local and state officials. Don’t be alarmed but ask for photo identification each time someone says they’re from the government. After the inspection. FEMA will send a letter after the inspection detailing the benefits it believes the homeowner is due.

If the homeowner disagrees with the assessment, the letter will explain how to file an appeal. Pay close attention to deadlines to file appeals. Don’t let the deadlines slip by while you’re busy rebuilding.

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Don’t disregard the Small Business Administration loan application. FEMA spokeswoman Robin Smith urged those filling out disaster assistance applications not to skip the section

The kitchen of the Kirby home is fi

regarding a possible Sm loan. After disasters, Sm loans available to indivi Depending on circumstan referred to a separate app that loan is denied, the ap funding from other source this step could end up get

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Displaced re term housing warned Texas

defendernetwork.com • Serving t

nStrong

esidents can expect longg issues. Federal officials s that housing for thou-

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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long, right, speaks during a news conference about Hurricane Harvey.

filled with floodwater in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey,

all Business Administration mith said, the SBA makes iduals as well as businesses. nces, some applicants will be plication for an SBA loan. If pplicant may be eligible for es. But applicants who skip tting nothing, Smith said.

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Michael Washington uses a trimmer to mow his lawn in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

sands of displaced residents could be a long-term problem that in prior storms was fraught with unhealthy trailers and hundreds of millions of dollars wasted. Anyone in a shelter or without financial means to replace their housing in 18 counties qualifying for individual disaster assistance can receive aid for a motel or to rent an apartment.

The process could take a while. Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana and wreaked havoc across the Gulf Coast in August 2005. FEMA did not end its temporary housing mission for Katrina until February 2012.

the Houston area for over 85 years

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Congress has approved additional funding. FEMA was at risk of running out of money, but they have freed up $900 million by implementing “immediate needs funding” restrictions to conserve resources for “ongoing lifesaving, life-sustaining response efforts” related to the storm.

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If you’re denied, you have the right to appeal. Many Harvey survivors have already been denied assistance. In some cases, FEMA determined that the damage was a result of deferred maintenance. If you feel the outcome is unjust, do not hesitate to file an appeal.

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017 defendernetwork.com

#HoustonStrong

Disaster recovery centers opened Three State of Texas/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers have opened in Houston, Katy and Baytown.

The centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in 39 counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent floods.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the state and other agencies will be at the centers to talk about assistance and to help anyone who needs guidance in filing an application. The new centers are at the following locations: • Greenspoint Mall (Harris County), 263 Greenspoint Mall, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily • Katy Mills Mall (Fort Bend County), 5000 Katy Mills Circle, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily • Baytown Community Center (Harris County), 2407 Market Street, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Disaster recovery centers are accessible to people with disabilities. Centers have assistive technology equipment allowing disaster survivors to use amplified telephones, phones that display text, amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss, and magnifiers for people with vision loss.

Video remote interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

If possible, homeowners, renters and businesses should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. Locations of other recovery centers are online at www.fema.gov/ DRC.

FEMA hiring workers

In partnership with the State of Texas, FEMA is hiring workers across the state for administrative, logistical and technical jobs related to hurricane recovery.

Those hired will join the recovery team – local, state and federal workers, voluntary agencies and community organizations – already in place.

Jobs posted recently pay between $14 and $34 per hour. Some of the jobs include: administrative support assistant, civil engineer, communications specialist, construction cost estimator, courier, crisis counselor, customer service specialist, environmental specialist, floodplain management specialist, graphics specialist, hazard mitigation outreach specialist, historic preservation specialist, registered nurse and voluntary agency liaison.

The first step is to register at www.

WorkinTexas.com, the Texas Workforce Commission’s website, where application instructions are posted. FEMA will announce more jobs soon.

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#HoustonStrong

SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017 | DEFENDER

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EPA examining toxic Houston area floodwaters Defender News Services Low-income and minority communities could be facing a new challenge from Hurricane Harvey – toxic water.

An analysis by the Center for Biological Diversity found that nine of 16 flooded Superfund sites were in neighborhoods where a majority of residents are minority or low-income. A New York Times investigation discovered E. coli levels at four times the amount considered safe in “water flowing down Briarhills Parkway in the Houston Energy Corridor.”

“There’s pretty clearly sewage contamination, and it’s more concentrated inside the home than outside the home,” Lauren Stadler, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University who participated in The Times’s research said. “It suggests to me that conditions inside the home are more ideal for bacteria to grow and concentrate. It’s warmer and the water has stagnated for days and days. I know some kids were playing in the floodwater outside those places. That’s concerning to me.”

In the Clayton Homes public housing development, which is alongside the Buffalo Bayou, levels of E. coli were measured 135 times higher than what’s considered safe. The

What to do?

• Keep children, elderly and those with immune disorders out of damaged homes.

• Avoid intentional contact with flood water • Frequently wash hands while cleaning after a flood • Inform doctors of any wounds • Make sure kids do not play in flood water or with toys that have been in flood water.

• Stay up to date on their vaccinations water also included elevated levels of “lead, arsenic and other heavy metals in sediment from the floodwaters in the kitchen.”

The Buffalo Bayou has been polluted for years, and it’s been reported that minority residents have suffered the most from the consequences.

Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency said they are still trying to get a handle on what exactly is percolating in the lingering floodwaters which contaminated many people’s homes and personal belongings.

They already know it’s some mix of bacteria, viruses, metals and other potentially

toxic pollutants leached from the myriad of refineries and chemical plants in the area, along with an untold number of submerged septic tanks and dozens of Superfund sites.

Collecting enough samples to draw sweeping conclusions about how polluted the water is, and the impact to specific neighborhoods, could take a while – especially as government agencies grapple with staffing shortfalls.

“We’re trying to get a good picture of what’s in the water,” said Latrice Babin, the deputy director of pollution control for Harris County. She said the staff of about 10 water samplers at the agency is struggling to complete testing of industrial sites and waste water treatment facilities.

Gov. Greg Abbott says the U.S. Envi-

ronmental Protection Agency had completed site assessments at all 43 Superfund sites in areas affected by the storm. He said two of those sites – the San Jacinto Waste Pits and the U.S. Oil Recovery – will require further assessment, which will take several days to complete.

At least 168 water systems across the state impacted by Harvey still have boil-water notices, including the system in Beaumont.

Dr. James McCarthy, the chief of emergency medicine in the Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute, said the hospital has seen an uptick in soft tissue infections since the storm. That’s not surprising given that people are spending a lot of time in polT:4.75” luted floodwater.

T:8.5”

THE FUTURE LOOKS

We’re Still Here!

EMPOWERING This year’s McDonald’s® 365 Black® honorees are a living testament to the power of inspiration. With every personal victory, they’ve used their success to lift their community to new heights. To learn more about the achievements and contributions of this group of extraordinary women, visit 365Black.com

It’s not too late to register.

LATE START CLASSES AVAILABLE!

Register Now at LoneStar.edu/Register

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Chasity Hale, Sanya Richards-Ross, Margaret “Marty” Gillis, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Tichina Arnold © 2017 McDonald’s

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DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017

sports

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Stephens captures first Grand Slam, wins Open

By MAX EDISON Defender

With four Americans in the semi-finals, it was certain that the winner of the female bracket of the U.S. Open would be from the U.S. When the dust settled in the finals, Sloane Stephens, the 83rd ranked player in the world, defeated her close friend and 16th ranked Madison Key 6-3, 6-0.

The finals featuring all Americans was the first since Venus and Serena Williams faced off in Flushing Meadows in 2002. Stephens is the first unseeded player to win the tournament since Kim Clijsters in 1968.

“I think it was a little bit of just, like, ‘Wow.’ I mean, it’s hard to explain, obviously,” Stephens said.

“Winning a tournament is extremely special, but winning the U.S. Open, being an American player, is even more incredible”.

For Sloane the win is a triumph over extreme adversity. A stress fracture in her left foot caused her to miss the 2016 U.S. Open.

She had an operation in January. Stephens made her 2017 debut at Wimbledon and was promptly bounced out in the first round.

Stephens was quick to acknowledge the support of her mother to help her through the adverse times.

Her mother, Sybil, was an all-American swimmer at Boston University. Her late father, John, was an NFL running back with the Patriots, Packers and Chiefs.

Her parents were divorced.

“My whole life my mom has been very supportive,” Stephens said. “She’s been in my corner the whole time, and I have had, you know, a lot of ups and a lot of downs and some really low downs. And throughout that, my mom has been there 100 percent with me.”

Stephens, 24, and Keys, 22, are long-time friends.

Keys was happy for Sloane even though her biggest win came at Keys’ expense.

“Sloane is truly one of my favorite people and to

New tennis star Sloane Stephens became a Grand Slam champion, winning the U.S. Open against fellow American Madison Keys

sports journalist and tennis expert Kim Davis weighed in on the tournament.

“Sloane’s win might just be the beginning of a new era in U.S. tennis, although I’m not quite ready to count out the Williams sisters just yet,” Davis said.

“However, Sloane’s win and the fact that there were all Americans in the semifinals and finals makes it a great day for the USTA [United States Tennis Association].

“I’m sure USTA Stephens overcame foot surgery in January to make a comeback Chair, CEO and Board on the court. “This journey’s been incredible,” she said.

President Katrina Adams is also extremely proud of the get to play her was rediversity that was represented at this year’s U.S. Open,” ally special,” Keys said.

“Obviously I didn’t play my Davis said. “There are so many superlatives and impressive facts/statistics about Sloane’s win. Not the least of best tennis today and was disappointed. To be able to share my first slam experience which is what she overcame to get there and the person with a really close friend, when it’s also her first slam, is a who helped her do it. Her coach Kamau Murray, a former FAMU tennis player who also runs a highly successful really special moment. If there’s someone I had to lose to urban city tennis program in Chicago was an integral part today, I’m glad it’s her.” of her journey.”

“I told [Keys] I wish there could have been a draw,” Davis added that the U.S. Open celebrated the 60th Stephens said. “If it was the other way around, I’m sure anniversary of Althea Gibson becoming the first Africanshe would have done the same thing.”

For a pair of African-American women to play in the American to win the title at Flushing Meadows.

“How fitting that Sloane and Madison Keys met in finals of the U.S. Open who were not named Williams their first Grand Slam final,” Davis said. is a potential turning point for U.S. tennis. Local veteran

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SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017 | DEFENDER

h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Darrius Smith has star power at Pearland Dawson

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

About Smith

PEARLAND – When Pearland Dawson found itself in a nail-biter against Birth date – April 6, 2000 Deer Park in the 2017 season Birth sign – Aries opener, the Eagles turned to their marquee player to close Favorite subject -Math out a 17-14 victory.

Favorite NFL back – Running back Darrius Smith had gains of seven, 16 Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh and five yards on three conSteelers secutive plays to run out the final two minutes and move Favorite meal – Hot wings Dawson to 1-0 on the season.

Favorite social media – Smith did much of the Twitter, Snapchat heavy lifting all game long and finished with 179 yards on 32 Possible career – carries, including a 6-yard TD Business marketing run with five minutes, 24 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

“When we had to have it, he went out and got it for us,” said Dawson head coach Eric Wells. “Darrius is the most experienced guy on our offense the 2:56 mark. Smith’s TD run in the second quarter right now because we’re real young across the board in enabled Dawson to carry a 10-0 edge into intermission. the skill positions. He finished the game for us and he’s a Yet Deer Park quickly displayed new resolve in the real champion.” third quarter and drove 86 yards in just seven plays to Smith is no secret among high school football folpull within 10-7. Brandon McKissack ended the drive lowers across the Houston area. with a 20-yard TD reception from quarterback Broc The senior 5-foot-9, 175-pound University of Weidner.

Arizona commit is coming off a 2016 season in which Khalil Jones outjumped the coverage and made an he was selected offensive MVP in District 23-6A after acrobatic 21-yard touchdown catch from quarterback rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and compiling more than Patrick Kramer to extend Dawson’s lead to 17-7 with 2,000 all-purpose yards.

5:21 left in the fourth quarter.

“My goal coming into this season was to do more McKissack’s second TD reception of the game, a than I did last year,” Smith said. “Even though I’ve been 26-yarder from Weidner with 2:44 left in the contest set on varsity since I was a the stage for Smith’s late sophomore, I can give my heroics. team more patience, explo“We knew this was See what’s ahead in high school siveness and quickness.” going to be a tough game,” football Among Smith’s 32 carWells said. “Deer Park has ries against Deer Park, seven a lot of size and they play were for at least 10 yards, power football. We didn’t including a 29-yarder on his third run from scrimmage. have many practices because of the hurricane and they “His vision and his ability to get in space and make were in the same boat. people miss is what sets him apart from most backs,” “It was a battle and our kids played with a lot of Wells said. “When people look at him, they don’t realize heart,” Wells said. “They were ready to get back on the how powerful he is. He’s put in a lot of hard work during field and I feel real good that we’re undefeated right the past nine months.” now.”

Claire Jeffress gave Dawson a 3-0 advantage in the Dawson will next host Summer Creek on Sept. first quarter when she kicked a 27-yard field goal at 15 at 7 p.m.

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Cougar Oliver honored In a statement that will certainly become redundant as the college football season continues, University of Houston Cougar defensive lineman Ed Oliver has been named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Oliver looked like a man playing with boys in the Cougars’ debut game against Arizona. He had a game-high 11 tackles to go with 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble in a 19-16 win at Arizona. He led a Cougar defense that held Arizona to 152 rushing yards. A first team All-American as a freshman, the sophomore currently leads all defensive linemen nationally with an average of 11 tackles per game.

T.J. Watt has game too Just in case you missed it, J.J. Watt isn’t the only person in his family with skill on the gridiron.

Younger brother T.J. Watt, an outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, became the first rookie in 30 years to record two sacks and one interception in an NFL debut game. The Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-18. “We felt like we were in the backfield all of the time, but we have to finish plays,” Watt said. “We had a few sacks left on the table, from my point of view.”

Watt is the third player to produce the two-andone in a debut since stats became official. The other two were replacement players. T.J. Watt played ball at Wisconsin’s Pewaukee High School like his big brother. T.J. played college ball at Wisconsin.

Clear Lake ends drought One of the more notable accomplishments in a scaled back week of high school football action occurred at Stingaree Stadium in Texas City. The Clear Lake Falcons went on the road and broke a string of eight consecutive season-opening losses with a wire-to-wire 28-21 victory over Texas City.

The Clear Lake win avenged a 24-16 setback to Texas City last season as the Falcons were on their way to a three-win season. It marked Clear Lake’s first win in a season opener since 2008.

Quarterback Shae Suiaunoa completed 7-of-16 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Larry McRae is in his second year at the helm with the Falcons. Clear Lake takes on Clements next. McRae and Clements second-year head coach Bobby Darnell were teammates at Baylor. Clear Lake has not enjoyed a winning season since 2013 and hasn’t earned a doubledigit win season since advancing to the state semifinals in 2004. The Falcons have made four postseason appearances since 1999.

Ball wins battle The Clash of the Causeway between Galveston County rivals La Marque and Galveston Ball resumed following a two-year hiatus. In a rivalry that dates back to 1960, Ball prevailed 34-13.

The series was interrupted for two years due to La Marque’s dwindling enrollment numbers while Ball was sitting comfortably in the Class 5A classification. It was Ball’s second consecutive win in the series. La Marque head coach Mike Jackson welcomed the return of the game and said it should be good for Galveston County.

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12

DEFENDER | SEPTEMBER 14 | 2017

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

topevents

ELVIN FRANKLIN BUILDING DEDICATION…….The Harris Health System of supplies arrived, with contents unloaded by volunteers, and immediately distributed honored one of its own recently, naming its administration building after longtime to those in need. Additionally, participants were treated to food, music and fellowship. volunteer extraordinaire and newly retired Board Chairman Elvin Franklin Jr. Franklin Attendees included Mayor Sylvester Turner, Larry “Chatterbox” Hale (KTSU), Alvin served in various capacities over his 31 years on the Harris Health System board, helping Byrd, Myrtle Jones, Sharon Burney, Scheretta Wilson, London Watkins, Darlene to provide high quality health care to hundreds of thousands of Harris County residents.

Trives, Tara Lucas, Brian Seymour, Lashondra Jones and others…….. FIRST Anne Clutterbuck, chair of the Harris Health Board of Trustees, facilitated the event DAY OF SCHOOL 2017-2018….. As of Sept. 11 all Houston-area school districts are which featured presentations by County Commissioner Rodney back in business, with many enjoying their first day of school for the Ellis, State Reps. Dr. Alma Allen and Senfronia Thompson, 2017-2018 school year after Hurricane Harvey passed. Though some Defender TOP EVENTS Henry J.N. Taub II, chair of the Harris County Hospital schools are sharing campuses until all repairs are finished, students More photos on defendernetwork.com District Foundation, and others. Attendees included Ann are once again taking classes and progressing towards their respective See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s ‘Crossroads’ Franklin, Dr. Rhonda Franklin, James Brown, Lois Moore, graduation dates. Just a sampling of these excited students included with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 5:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Sheron Bruno, Zahra Ahmed and more……..HARVEY Aaliyah McClain, Alena Harleson, Diop Dorsey, Marshall RELIEF SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION…….State Sen. Borris Reynolds, Matthew Simpson, Ambar Caldwell, Orian Caldwell, Leila Beck, Leelah Washington, Kamiliyah Washington, Willow Watkins, Kenneth Miles recently hosted the Harvey Relief Supply Distribution, an event held at the newly renovated DeLuxe Theater (3303 Lyons Ave.) in Fifth Ward which allowed those Bustos, Saeed Olushola, Saadiya Olushola, Sameer Olushola, Jayla Chew and impacted by Hurricane Harvey to receive much-needed supplies. Several trailer trucks full thousands more.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, Reginald Van Lee, Corey McCathern Anne Clutterbuck, Elvin Franklin Jr., Ann Franklin

State Sen. Borris Miles, Faith Miles, Grace Miles

Ambar Caldwell, Orian Caldwell

Dr. Rhonda Franklin, Marcy Taub

Kathryn Griffen, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Minister David Jeremiah

Marshall Reynolds, Matthew Simpson

Betty Brown, James Brown

Brian Seymour, Lashondra Jones, Beverly Edwards, Clyde Lemon

Sharon Chew, Jayla Chew

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