D.C. LAWMAKERS TAKE UP THE FIGHT AGAINST PAYDAY AND CAR-TITLE LOANS P11
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Volume 86 | Number 48
NEWSTALK TONY CHASE chairs Harvey relief funds board
P2 Gina Gaston
Melanie Lawson
Jose Grinan
NATIONAL SHEILA JACKSON LEE fights to re-fund children’s healthcare
P4 FEATURE Khambrel-Marsh
all on Len Cann
Isiah Carey
TED IRVING
BLACKS IN HOUSTON TV NEWS
Yates instructor nominated for Emmy
H PAGE 7
Oprah Winfrey
Deshaun Watson
The media mogul is unveiling “Released,” a new show on OWN that follows the lives of six Black men and women as they leave prison to restart their lives and reconnect with family, friends and society.
For a franchise that’s had QB issues for the majority of its existence, the Texans may have finally got it right with Watson. After four games, Watson is proving his worth.
debuts new show
H PAGE 6
the real deal
H PAGE 14
P10 TOP EVENTS
Keith Smith, Crystal Hadnott, Linda Johnson-Rice and Willard Jackson at the Black Heritage Festival.
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Harvey relief fund makes first grants Defender News Services
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund announced its first round of grants totaling $7.55 million to 28 local non-profit organizations to provide services and support to flood victims. Grant recipients include the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, BakerRipley (formerly Neighborhood Centers), Houston Habitat for Humanity, Houston Food Bank, New Hope Housing, Northwest Assistance Ministries, Salvation Army, SEARCH Homeless Services and Volunteers of America. The accelerated round of grants amounts to about 10 percent of the total donations to the fund. The grants were announced by fund advisory board chairman Tony Chase, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, who started the fund shortly after the storm caused extensive flooding that disrupted the lives of thousands of residents. “The goal of the committee was to quickly get these funds into the community through organizations uniquely equipped to help our neighbors suffering from the storm,” Chase said. “We placed a particu-
lar focus on the critical need for temporary housing throughout the region and I am pleased that we were able to help people in every zip code across the county.” The relief fund is designed to fill the aid gaps unaddressed by government efforts. The grant contract with each organization specifies that the funds must go toward programs that will benefit storm victims within the next 90 days. Many of the initial funds are dedicated to providing temporary housing, rental assistance and other financial assistance to storm victims. The remaining portion will help provide food to flood victims, along with case management to help them navigate the various governmental and insurance processes. “Our goal was to get a roof over the heads of those suffering to ensure that they can get back to some semblance of normalcy,” said Bill Jackson, cochair of the committee. Flood victims can call 211 to ask for services provided by the agencies that received funds. Donations to the fund may be made at houstonrecovers.org.
Tony Chase
Harris County bail lawsuit may impact nation Texas Tribune
The next chapter in Harris County’s saga over bail practices is playing out in federal court, and officials involved in pretrial processes throughout Texas are holding their breath. The state’s most populous county is involved in a complicated fight over how its bail procedures impact poor misdemeanor defendants awaiting trial. A federal lawsuit questions the constitutionality of the county’s pretrial system, where arrestees who can’t afford their bail bonds regularly sit in jail – often until their cases are resolved days or weeks later – while similar defendants who have cash are released.
Last year, inmates filed suit against Harris County, saying they were wrongfully detained in jail simply because they were too poor to pay their bail bonds. The lawsuit covers all indigent defendants arrested on misdemeanors, like driving with an invalid license or shoplifting. In April, U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal issued a groundbreaking ruling, calling Harris County’s bail practices unconstitutional and ordering the release of almost all misdemeanor defendants from jail within 24 hours of arrest, regardless of their ability to pay the bond amount. The county, which has implemented many of its own reforms since the suit’s filing, appealed the injunction at the
U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both sides of the lawsuit recognize the legal outcome in Harris County could have nationwide repercussions for the American bail system. In Texas, counties with wide variations of pretrial practices are measuring their programs against the federal injunction. “At a minimum, the litigation in Harris County is going to change the dialogue, if not the policy, of all other Texas counties on [personal] bonds,” said Michael Young, Bexar County’s chief public defender. Jail population reports show that almost 75 percent of people in Texas jails have not been convicted.
localbriefs TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S ENROLLMENT is up for the fall 2017 semester. More than 10,500 students have started class on campus after a late opening to the academic session following Hurricane Harvey. The university welcomed 2,018 first-time freshmen in August, up 51 percent from 2016. There was an increase in first-time transfer students, up 31 percent from 2016. In addition to new students, continuing students persisted at a 2 percent higher rate over this time last year. TSU has focused recruitment in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Beaumont, Port Arthur and other Texas cities. Continued transfer agreements with Houston
Community College, Lone Star, San Jacinto and College of the Mainland have also contributed to incoming class and transfer enrollment.……..STATE OFFICIALS MAY CONSIDER EXPANDING HARVEY FOOD RELIEF after thousands of people continue to turn up for the D-SNAP benefits. The offices were expected to close on Oct. 5, but with the high demand, state leaders are looking into whether they’ll keep them open longer. There are three locations in Harris County to apply for the state’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP. Officials with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission said once
families qualify, they’ll get a Lone Star Card to use at stores that accept it. How much you qualify for depends on things like income and expenses after Hurricane Harvey. Families most in need could receive benefits for up to two months……..THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE is Oct.10 in order to be eligible to vote in the upcoming 2017 elections, which will decide multiple school board seats, other local races and issues, and seven proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Oct. 27 is the last day to apply for ballot by mail and early voting takes place from Oct. 23-Nov. 3, with Nov. 7 being Election Day.
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U.S.briefs
CHIP expires, 9 million kids lose health insurance Defender News Services
While the GOP was busy trying to repeal Obamacare – again – Congress allowed the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low-cost health insurance to millions of children, to expire. “It is shameful to place our children’s health care in jeopardy and yet, that is what Republicans in Congress have just done,” said Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “By failing to reauthorize CHIP…nearly 9 million children whose families rely on the funding face an uncertain Congress does not act quickly to restore future.” the program, they will start to run out. The program, created under a “The need for these families is 1997 law passed with bipartisan supurgent,” Jackson Lee said. “Many lives port during the administration of forare at stake. The lack of action is irmer President Bill Clinton, provided responsible and shifts financial burden coverage for children in families with onto the states and millions of families low and moderate incomes as well as that can ill afford it. As elected leaders to pregnant women. entrusted to act in the best interests of It was instrumental in lowering our citizens, it is incumbent upon those the percentage of children who were of us in Congress to do our jobs and uninsured from nearly 14 percent protect the lives of our children.” when it started to 4.5 percent in 2015. The program cost the federal govIt was last reauthorized in 2015 and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee ernment about $13.6 billion in 2016. was due to be renewed by Sept. 30, The program provided services that included routine 2017. checkups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, Amid unsuccessful efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, the Republican-led Congress dental and vision care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, laboratory and X-ray services and emergency allowed the CHIP deadline to pass without action. The program was primarily funded by the federal services. If action is not taken soon to restore the funding, government, with states paying a good deal less. the effects will become obvious across the country. States still have some CHIP money available, but if
Obama Foundation establishes initiatives The Obama Foundation is presenting its first set of initiatives to inspire and empower young people to change their world. “When President Obama left public office in January, he asked people to believe – not in his ability to bring about change, but in their own,” said foundation CEO David Simas. “Over the last nine months, the foundation has been soliciting input from people in Chicago, all over the country, and around the world to learn about what’s working in your communities and to identify barriers to civic participation.” The initiatives are: • A summit on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 will bring young civic leaders to Chicago. They will join former Presi-
dent and Mrs. Obama to exchange ideas and explore solutions to common problems. • The Obama Foundation Fellowship seeks 20 community-minded rising stars, including organizers, entrepreneurs and journalists. Applications are available at Obama.org/Fellowship. • Obama Foundation Training Days begin Oct. 14 in Chicago, with additional trainings in Boston and Tempe, Ariz. The one-day experiences will teach young people how to put civics into action. • The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance has become an initiative of the Obama Foundation and will focus on building safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color.
A JUDGE TOSSED OUT A LAWSUIT filed against Black Lives Matter and supporter DeRay McKesson in which an officer blamed the movement and McKesson for injuries that he incurred during a protest. The judge ruled that the officer could not sue Black Lives Matter because it is “not an entity of any sort” but a social movement. As for McKesson, the judge said he was exercising his First Amendment right to protest in 2016 following the death of Alton Sterling but could not be held responsible for the injuries the officer incurred during that protest. The officer accused McKesson and Black Lives Matter of inciting violence and sued them for injuries when he was hit in the face with a rock……. BLACK ACTIVIST GROUPS MARCHED ON the National Mall and Justice Department in Washington, D.C. recently to raise awareness about the injustices Black women face. The march’s goal was to “denounce the propagation of state-violence and the widespread incarceration of Black women and girls, rape and all sexualized violence, the murders and brutalization of transwomen and the disappearances of our girls from our streets, our schools and our homes,” according to a statement…...POLICE BELIEVE A CHURCH SHOOTING in Tennessee may have been a revenge shooting. A note found in the car of Emanuel Kidega Samson shed light on his mindset and a possible motive for the rampage, which killed a woman and wounded six other people. The note reportedly referenced retaliation for Dylann Roof, the white supremacist who killed nine Black worshippers at a South Carolina church in 2015 and has since been sentenced to death. A church usher confronted Samson, who mistakenly shot himself during the struggle. Samson, 25, was hospitalized for gunshot wounds and released to police. It wasn’t clear what Samson is alleged to have written about the Roof shooting.
VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 48 OCTOBER 5, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker 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).
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SBA offers disaster jobs, nonprofit loans Defender News Services
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is hiring to fill temporary positions to provide aid to those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. In addition, Texas private nonprofit organizations have until Nov. 3 to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by Harvey that occurred between Aug. 23 and Sept. 15. Temporary employees are needed until Dec. 31 and bilingual language skills are a plus. Some positions are offered nationwide and others are offered in specific cities. Positions include: • Administrative support assistants Small Business Administration representatives offer disaster assistance. • Construction analysts (loss verifiers) For more information visit SBA.gov/DisasterJobs. • Customer service representatives As a result of damage from Hurricane Harvey, • Damage verifiers private nonprofits that provide essential services of a • Information technology specialists (customer supgovernmental nature are eligible for assistance. port) According to Tanya Garfield, director of the SBA’s • Lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants Disaster Field Operations Center-West, eligible private • Loan specialists nonprofits of any size may apply for federal disaster • Program support assistants & call center specialists loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or • Public information officers destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inven-
tory and other business assets. The SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. In addition, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help eligible private nonprofits meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the nonprofit suffered any property damage. Private nonprofits have until June 4, 2018, to apply for a loan. The interest rate is 2.5 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition. The low-interest federal disaster loans are available in more than 35 counties, including Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 5 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
entertainment
‘Released’
OWN looks at life after incarceration Defender News Services
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey has interviewed thousands of people over the years but she recalls her discussion with former prisoner and author Shaka Senghor as “one of the best interviews of my life.” That interview sparked Winfrey’s ongoing friendship with Senghor, who wrote the book “Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in An American Prison.” His book moved her to help tell similar stories of redemption and refuge, and so her latest Bruce Gaiteen is among the Oprah and Shaka Senghor during a taping of OWN’s “Super Soul Sunday” project came to be. stories that will be featured. “Released” is a new show prison reform. It also challenges damdebuting on OWN that follows the The premiere episode of the show aging stereotypes around lives of six Black men and women as they leave prison to restart follows three former inmates who each incarcerated men and women their lives and reconnect with family, friends and society. It shows by sharing a narrative that tells the happiness these individuals feel upon leaving prison while also committed different offenses but face similar experiences of fighting to stay out of a more complete and authentic capturing their challenges and emotional plight in re-entering a prison after being released. Kevin had stolen Jermaine Jeeter struggles to rebuild after story of life after prison, which world that feels so foreign. $156 in children’s clothing. It was his third Senghor said does an invaluable being released from prison. “I believe redemption is possible for almost everybody,” offense, and the court showed him no mercy, act of good. Winfrey said. sentencing him to 19 years in prison. “I think narratives [can allow for] prison reform...I mean, Senghor, who recently appeared with Winfrey at a festival, “I’ll never forget back in 1997 when my judge sentenced if you think about how we landed in this mess in the first agreed: “I’m a firm believer that most of us have some type of me. I felt like my life was over,” he said in the episode. “Now, place, it was based on the stories that were told about inner faith, and a cornerstone of faith, to me, is redemption is possible.” I’m coming into a new world that I’m foreign to because so city kids being super predators and irredeemable,” Senghor Senghor and Winfrey, along with a team of producers and many things have changed. I feel like I’m at a disadvantage.” said in a previous interview. showrunners, helped to provide a space to showcase stories of Currently, there are 2.3 million Americans in corrections “So, if those negative narratives can shape policy in a way redemption through the lens of those who have been incarcerated. facilities across the country, 39 percent of whom are Black. that’s harmful, then it only leads me to believe that the more Senghor, who served as a consulting producer on the series and While “Released” doesn’t capture what it’s like behind prison positive narratives we have – the more honest, transparent [and] previously spent 19 years in prison for second-degree murder doors, it shows the daily reality and experiences men and open human narratives that we’re sharing – the more likely we after a drug deal went awry, knows firsthand what it’s like to women face in re-entering society. are to shape policy that honors people’s humanity.” be behind bars. He has since committed his life to fighting for
what’sup Filmmaker JULIE DASH is preparing to direct a biopic on civil rights icon ROSA PARKS, which will focus on the decade before the seminal moment she refused to give up her seat for a white person on a Montgomery, Ala. bus. The story will reportedly center on Parks as an activist seeking justice for 24-year-old wife and mother Recy Taylor, who was brutally gang-raped by six white men in Alabama in 1944. Dash was brought on to direct based on her previous experience directing the 2002 CBS movie “The Rosa Parks Story,” which starred ANGELA BASSETT……..While the announcement of NENE LEAKES and KIM
ZOLCIAK BIERMANN returning to the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” stirred up much anticipation for the upcoming 10 th season, Bravo just dropped an even juicier bomb: model and entrepreneur EVA MARCILLE will be joining the cast. Many are familiar with Marcille as the winner of cycle three of America’s Next Top Model back in 2004. While Marcille isn’t an official housewife, she will be featured as a friend…….TAMRON HALL is too classy to gloat, but fans are issuing a resounding ‘we tried to tell ya’ as MEGYN KELLY’s new talk show is receiving less than rave reviews. Tamron left NBC earlier this year
after the “Today Show” replaced her with a show starring controversial, former Fox News anchor Kelly. Its first week on the air, almost eight months after Hall’s exit, “The Megyn Kelly Show” awkwardly struggled through its first week and NBC is learning that being blonde and “beautiful” isn’t enough to keep viewers engaged…….Dallas residents are calling for Robert E. Lee Park to be renamed after singer ERYKAH BADU. Over 2,300 people have signed a petition that was started by local collective Central Track. It demands that the park be renamed after Badu, who is originally from Dallas.
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BLACKS IN HOUSTON
TV NEWS By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender
While the Bayou City is home to numerous television stations, KHOU 11, KPRC 2, FOX 26, and KTRK 13 are amongst the most watched. Meet the Black on-air personalities who keep Houstonians informed at every turn.
Veterans (17 years or more on-air in Houston) Melanie Lawson, KTRK/Channel 13
How long at station: Just celebrated 35 years – yikes! Education: BA from Princeton, law & journalism degrees from Columbia Hometown: Houston Love about Houston: Just about everything except the humidity! The truth is the people. There are few cities that I’ve ever spent time in where the people are as friendly and kind. And the perfect example of that is Hurricane Harvey, where the rest of the world saw what we already knew – that Houstonians are extraordinary. If you weren’t working in TV: Not really sure, since I’ve been doing this my entire adult life! But I also love the arts & I’m a collector of glass & African -American art, so probably something in that field. I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t go back to practicing law, since I gave that up to do journalism.
Gina Gaston, KTRK/Channel 13
Length at Station: 25 years Education: University of Southern California Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA Love about Houston: The people. If she wasn’t working in TV: I’d be a yoga instructor!
Khambrel Marshall, KPRC/Channel 2
Length at Station: 18 years Education: Arizona State University, Mississippi State University (Broadcast Meteorology Certification) Hometown: Born in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, but considers Monterey Peninsula, California home where his mother and father are buried. Love about Houston: The friendliness of the people, the diversity, the food, the philanthropic attitude of Houstonians and a willingness to find ways to make progress by supporting each other. If he wasn’t working in TV: I’d be running or playing a major role in a non-profit organization that makes a difference in lives or perhaps the ministry.
Damali Keith, KRIV/Fox 26
Length at Station: 17 years Education: Wayne University Hometown: Wayne, MI Love about Houston: I love the unity, the diversity and the food! If she wasn’t working in TV: I’d be a singer, even though I can’t sing
David Tillman, KTRK/Channel 13 Jose Grinan, KRIV/Fox 26
Length at Station: 24 years Education: I have a degree from the School of Hard Knocks. Unfortunately, I do not have a degree of higher learning. Hometown: Tampa, FL Love about Houston: Its people and their diversity, the arts and cultural scene, and of course, the various sports teams you can support. And, my job. If he wasn’t working in TV: I would have tried to go to law school or maybe even tried my talents at being a comedian.
Length at Station: 17 years Education: Jackson State University Hometown: St. Louis, MO Love about Houston: Its ethnic diversity, low cost of living, and it’s a great place to raise a family and I don’t have to shovel snow. If he wasn’t working in TV: I’d be a scout for a professional sports/basketball team.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 5 | 2017
Isiah Carey, KRIV/Fox 26
Length at Station: 16 years Education: Southern University Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA Love about Houston: I love Houston because it’s not what you expect at all when you first move here. It is very diverse with people from all walks of life. It’s welcoming and just about anyone can fit it. If he wasn’t working in TV: I’d likely consider law, but I love journalism and thank God it’s what I do.
BLA
Rachel McNeil, KPRC/Channel 2
Length at Station: 16 years Education: University of Texas at Austin Hometown: Born in Kingston, Jamaica but lived in Houston since age four Love about Houston: The people! I really love that this is a cosmopolitan metropolis that still feels like a big small town. If she wasn’t working in TV: I have no idea whatsoever. I’ve wanted to work at Channel 2 since I was 14 years old, so I never really had a backup plan. Fortunately, I haven’t needed one yet!
Len Cannon, KHOU/Channel 11
Length at Station: 11 years Education: Ashland University Hometown: Troy, OH Love about Houston: I love how friendly people are in Houston, and it’s a great place to raise a family. If he wasn’t working in TV: I am not sure what I would be doing outside of this job. Perhaps radio, which I did before TV news.
Sherry Williams, KHOU/Channel 11
Length at Station: 9 years Education: Texas A&M University Hometown: Houston’s Third Ward Love about Houston: I love Houston’s heat! Hot weather, hot food and cool people-from every land! If she wasn’t working in TV: I would love to work on a film or reality TV production.
Samica Knight, KTRK/Channel 13
Length at Station: 7 years Education: University of Houston Hometown: Houston, TX Love about Houston: I love everything about Houston because I grew up here but if I had to say one thing in particular, it would be that Houston features so many cultures. I love learning more about other cultures. If she wasn’t working in TV: If I weren’t in broadcast I would certainly BE A TEACHER!
Larry Seward, KHOU/Channel 11
Length at Station: 6 years Education: Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Hometown: Cincinnati, OH Love about Houston: I love Houston’s diverse cultures and cuisine. If he wasn’t working in TV: I’d likely be in ministry.
Keith Garvin, KPRC/Channel 2 Length at Station: 5 years Education: University of Nevada, Reno Hometown: Bryan, TX Love about Houston: The people, the weather, the food, the diversity. If he wasn’t working in TV he’d: I would be a pastor, coach, or fitness trainer.
Mia Gradney, KHOU/Channel 11
Length at station: 5 years Education: Sam Houston State University Hometown: Houston Love about Houston: Houston is deep in the heart of Texas, yet modern and contemporary in enterprise and innovation. If she wasn’t working in TV: I would volunteer full-time at Dress for Success Houston. It’s such gratifying work and it is about building more than just a wardrobe.
Nate Griffin, KRIV/Channel 26
Length at Station: 4 years Education: Texas Southern University Hometown: Hattiesburg, MiS Love about Houston: The opportunities, the people, and its collegiate sports teams, warm weather, and the many dining and entertainment options If he wasn’t working in TV: I’d work as a sports radio talk show host and college football radio & TV analyst.
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ACKS IN HOUSTON
TV NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
Syan Rhodes, KPRC/Channel 2
Length at Station: 3 years Education: Northwestern University Hometown: Houston! I grew up in Sunnyside and Third Ward. Love about Houston: It’s a big, diverse and cosmopolitan city. The city’s art world is especially important to me since I was exposed to that at an early age by my mother (artist Rhonda Rhodes) and grew up dancing. If she wasn’t working in TV: I’d probably be involved in politics, possibly in elected office or a professional dancer/yoga instructor!
Brandon Walker, KPRC/Channel 2 Length at Station: 3 years Education: Carleton College Hometown: New Orleans, LA Love about Houston: Houston is a special place, chock full of special people.
Chauncy Glover, KTRK/Channel 13
Length at Station: 3 years Education: Troy University Hometown: Athens, AL Love about Houston: I love the people, the restaurants and I love the weather. I came from Detroit (where it was negative six degrees). I love the warmth here. I also lovethe fact that there’s never a shortage of things to do: Texans, Astros, festivals. And I love my church and ABC 13. If he wasn’t working in TV: I have a theater degree so I’d probably be acting or a pediatrician.
the Houston area for over 85 years
Jonathan Martin, KRIV/Channel 26
Length at Station: 2 years Education: Auburn University Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Love about Houston: The variety of restaurants and the diverse population. If he wasn’t working in TV: I’d likely be doing something related to health and fitness.
Sophia Beausleil, KPRC/Channel 2 Length at Station: 8 months Education: University of Missouri (MIZZOU) Hometown: Katy, TX Love about Houston: I absolutely love how diverse Houston is and the fact we have the food to prove it. If she wasn’t working in TV: I enjoy planning events and making people feel special, so probably a wedding planner or special events coordinator.
Deniege Broom, KRIV/Fox 26
Length at Station: Three months Education: Florida State University Hometown: Orlando, FL Love about Houston: I haven’t been here long, but so far I love the Texas pride and the how welcoming everyone has been to this Florida gal! If she wasn’t working in TV: Dream gigs, I’d either be an actress or run a coffee shop on some remote island with little cell service. More realistic, something in international affairs.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 5 | 2017
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People on the move Defender News Services
Yates instructor gets Emmy nomination
Ted Irving, magnet coordinator for Yates High School of Communications, has been nominated for a Lone Star Emmy Award for his story about Houston tap dance artist Alde Lewis. Irving, who also oversees the JROTC program at Yates, shot and edited the project himself. “I produced the story for my side work in journalism production after working with the Houston Press and their ‘How Houston Cooks’ Series. It inspired me to produce my own content telling stories with the various techniques I’ve acquired from over the years,” Irving said. The Lone Star Emmys Ted Irving are presented to professionals from all disciplines of the industry and from all of Texas’ television markets. The awards show will be held on Nov. 11 in San Antonio. “The last time I was nominated was when I was a media instructor with Hightower High School’s Digital Media Academy. It was a program nomination for our work titled, ‘Student Minutes,’ a take on ‘60 Minutes.’ The subject matter was breast cancer,” he said.
Two HISD schools named Blue Ribbon
Eastwood Academy and Lyons Elementary have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education: The Blue Ribbon program honors public and private exemplary campuses or those that are closing achievement gaps. Eastwood and Lyons are among 26 public schools in Texas to receive the award this year, and both were named as “Exemplary High Performing Schools.” Eastwood Academy, which is located in the East End, is a college prep high school. Students complete dual-credit courses, along with 80 hours of community volunteer work, before they graduate. This is also the second Blue Ribbon award for Lyons, which is part of the Sam Houston feeder pattern. Each nominated school must have an economically disadvantaged population of at least 22 percent. The schools will be honored during an awards ceremony Nov. 6-7 in Washington, D.C.
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Lawmakers fight predatory lenders Defender News Services
Capitol Hill lawmakers are combining efforts and influence to legislatively crack down on predatory lending nationwide. Seventeen members of the U.S. House and eight U.S. senators are supporting companion bills that would slash the cost of payday and car-title loans from their typical 300 percent annual interest rate to no more than 36 percent – the same rate protection that Congress first provided military families in 2006. Today, 90 million Americans living in 15 states and Washington, D.C. benefit from enacted rate caps of 36 percent or lower. But in the other 35 states, residents remain vulnerable to triple-digit interest rates that average 400 percent nationwide on an average loan of only $350. When consumers use their car titles as collateral for a larger and equally costly loan, a loss of personal transportation occurs when borrowers can no longer keep up with the spiraling high costs. If enacted, the legislation is expected to have an immediate impact on payday and car-title loans, but would ensure that all consumer financial services would end cycles of debt that trick and trap unsuspecting consumers into long-term debt. The effort is led in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jeff Merkley of Oregon. Their leadership counterparts in the House are Congressmen Matt Cartwright of Scranton, Penn. and Steve Cohen of Memphis. “Predatory lending disproportionately harms people who are already struggling financially,” Cartwright said. “This consumer-friendly legislation
would provide relief from exorbitant fees for many low-income consumers across the country.” From the Deep South to the Pacific Coast, and westward to the mid-Atlantic and Midwest states, state payday interest rates range as high as 662 percent in Texas to California’s 460 percent, and Virginia’s 601 percent. In Alabama and Mississippi, two of the nation’s poorest states when it comes to per capita incomes, payday interest rates are respectfully 521 percent and 456 percent. “What we have encountered across the country is
that when voters are given the chance to support a rate cap, large majorities consistently say no to debt-trap lending. Conversely, when it comes to state legislatures, reform efforts are often thwarted by the industry,” said Yana Miles, senior legislative counsel with the Center for Responsible Lending, Already more than 40 national, state and local organizations have jointly written their members of Congress in support of the legislation. Signers of the correspondence include civil rights organizations, labor, consumer advocates, and research institutes.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 5 | 2017
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#HoustonStrong
City launches ‘Harvey by Numbers’ website informed about what the city has done, is doing and will do as Houston bounces back,” Turner said. “We are all in this together.” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has Other new features include “heat maps” of launched “Harvey by the Numbers,” a website where flood damage to homes was concentrated, that shows where trucks are picking up storm how much debris has been debris, where flood picked up and moved to damage was the worst, Visit the website at landfills, and more. Anhow many hours volunhttps://houstonrecovers.org/numbers other map will show where teers are spending on the debris pickup trucks are recovery from Hurrioperating and how many cane Harvey and other are working in each zone. information that will be updated periodically if Interactive features include an address search not daily. in the zones and a convenient way to report the “This is our latest effort to keep the public Defender News Services
need for debris pickup at a specific address. The address data is used to concentrate pickup activity as well as to document expenses for which the federal government will reimburse the city. The Harvey by the Numbers site will continue to be updated and improved as more data becomes available. It is an addition to houstonrecovers.org, which has been in operation since the floods and includes information on how to register for assistance, how to volunteer, how to donate to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, how to learn about home repairs, how to deal with unusually high water bills, how to apply for disaster loans and much more.
Houston Food Bank stepping up to the plate Defender News Services
The floodwaters have receded, but life is far from normal in many parts of Houston. At the Houston Food Bank, the warehouse has been operating around the clock to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. More than 19 million pounds of food has left the warehouse in the last month. That’s three times the normal monthly distribution rate. “There is incredible need out there and we do not see it slowing down any time soon,” said Brian Greene, president and CEO of the food bank. “Recovery will not be fast for many in our community who are, literally, starting over with nothing. We are committed to being there to help for the long haul.” Harvey pushed many residents over the edge financially. Homes and cars were destroyed by the floodwaters and many residents have been unable to work since the storm. With no income and mounting repair costs, they are finding themselves having to seek assistance. For many, this is the first time they have been in the position of needing help. Among those in need is Eunita Moore. She was one of hundreds in line recently at Launch Point Community Development Corporation on West Little York in northeast Houston. Moore describes herself as a giver, the one who is usually volunteering to help others. This time she is in need and it is a hard place for her to be. With the food and other supplies provided by the Houston Food Bank she can now eat and pay for repairs. “I don’t need a lot, just something that will help with a meal here and there,” Moore said. Launch Point CDC and more than 230 other partner agencies are providing disaster relief in the Food Bank’s 18-county service area. This includes 11 agencies that serve as hubs, which receive a trailer truck loaded with disaster product daily. At the peak of the Harvey response, 24 hubs were in operation to serve flood victims. Jackie Mayhorn, who runs Launch Point with her husband, Ivory, said thousands of families have been coming there for help. “I have noth-
The Houston Food Bank has been operating around the clock since Hurricane Harvey.
ing but praise for the Houston Food Bank. I cannot thank them enough,” she said. “We have been able to get fresh fruit, meat and MRE’s out to the community. Without the food bank, we would not have been able to meet the need.” Jackie Mayhorn To help children in families affected by flooding, the Food Bank is offering disaster food sacks through the Backpack Buddy Program. Nearly 35,000 food sacks have been distributed to 209 schools. Likewise, the Teachers Aid Program is helping teachers in the hardest hit school districts. To date, approximately 320,000 pounds of school supplies have been provided. Register to volunteer at houstonfoodbank.org. Those in need of food assistance should call 832369-9390 or visit houstonfoodbank.org/Harvey.
classifieds Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records Special Education records which have been collected by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of five years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes his or her educational program at age 22, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of HISD’s intent to destroy the Special Education records of students who are no longer receiving Special Education services as of the end of the 2011-2012 school year. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but they may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request the records in writing or in person at the following address: HISD Records Management Department 4400 W. 18th Street Building B Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-556-6055 Fax: 713-556-7010 Requests for records must be received prior to December 8, 2017.
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Crosby players kicked off team for protesting Defender News Services
Two Crosby students have been kicked off the Victory & Praise Christian Academy football team after they demonstrated during the national anthem. One student, Cedric Ingram-Lewis, 16, raised a fist in the air while the anthem played. The other, Larry McCullough, 18, got down on one knee. In response, their coach told them to hand over their uniforms, the Houston Chronicle reported. “We had to get our message across: End racial injustice and the oppression of Black people,” Ingram-Lewis said. The coach, Ronnie Mitchem, is the pastor at Victory and Praise Worship Center and a Marine Corps veteran. He said the teenagers’ demonstration was offensive to people who served in the military. “I’ve been very patriotic my whole life,” he said. “I believe everybody has a right to protest, and I let those guys do their protests. But the rule was, if you did this protest, you wouldn’t be on the team.” The two teenagers, who are cousins, decided to demonstrate even though Mitchem warned players the day before against protesting, Ingram-Lewis said. After the anthem, Mitchem told them to return their uniforms, which they did. “He had me and C.J. strip down – our uniform, pads, the pants and all – in front of everyone,” McCullough said. Their demonstration came as the NFL faces a storm of controversy over the Colin Kaepernickinspired protests against police brutality and racial injustice — a fiery debate that President Donald Trump enflamed. While the NFL continues to see protests, the movement has spread to the lower levels of athletic play, but with different consequences. Mitchem said his football team was a small church-based operation with no high school affiliation. “They know that when I make a rule, I make a rule,” he said of his players. He said he cared about the boys and would consider letting them play again as long as they did not protest during the anthem.
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Cedric Ingram-Lewis, Larry McCullough
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 5 | 2017
sports
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Texans QB Watson proves to be real deal By MAX EDISON Defender
W
hen the announcement was made on NFL draft night that the Texans had traded up from the 25th selection to the 12th pick in the first round and that pick would be Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, there was an immediate buzz in the press box. For a franchise that’s had QB issues for the majority of its existence, the Texans may have finally gotten it right with Watson. We’re happy to report that after four games the results have been confirmed. Watson is the real deal and the rookie signal caller has more than lived up to the immense hype. Most scouts rated Watson as the most NFLready quarterback in the draft. Is he ever! Since he entered the game to begin the second half of the Jacksonville contest, Watson has shown that he is ready to be the “man” Watson stands tall in the pocket despite pressure. under center. Whether it’s the national spotlight of Thursday Night Watson’s poise and performance has imFootball and his debut as a starter or the pressure pressed everyone, including the No. 1 Texan, of dueling against Hall of Famer in waiting Tom owner Bob McNair. Brady on the road, the stage is never too big for “I don’t think there’s any question,” McNair the talented rookie. said. “He is so calm, cool and collected. The team Then came the Tennessee Titans, fresh off a has so much confidence in him that it really picks Hill and co-anchor Michael home win over the Seattle Seahawks and eager to them up. Smith Theyhost feelESPN’s like “SC6,” it doesn’t matter what the also called “The Six.” separate themselves from the Texans in the AFC circumstances are. Watson was patient and waited, South standing. Titan quarterback Marcus Mariota and he got his opportunity. He took advantage of meet Deshaun Watson. it and showed what he can do. It’s great. We’re All Watson did was orchestrate the most exin a good position, and we can go forward from plosive offensive performance in Texan franchise here.” history against the team formerly known as the Head coach Bill O’Brien was more than Houston Oilers. The Texan offense, under Watpleased with Watson’s performance. son’s direction, scored on its first four possessions “He’s a good player [and] a very smart guy” en route to a 57-14 rout of the Titans. O’Brien said. “These guys, they believe in him. All Watson did was throw four touchdowns He’s got a fantastic way about him. He’s a humble and run for another. He became the third rookie kid, was raised the right way and he works very quarterback in NFL history with four or more hard. He’s got great questions. He’s got great sugtouchdown passes and one or more rushing touch- gestions. He’s got a good mind for a lot of differdowns and the first since Fran Tarkenton in 1961. ent things, not just football. He’s an excellent kid In addition, the 57 points scored was 12 points and he’s fun to coach.” better than the previous high for the Texans. O’Brien said Watson’s vision is a key to his
Deshaun Watson
early success. “He’s seeing a lot of different things – thirddown blitzes for the first time, red area things for the first time,” O’Brien said. “I think he’s making smart decisions. That interception, that’s on me. I got a little greedy there at the end…” After a record-breaking performance Watson reflected on how his game has evolved in his four weeks as an NFL starter. “[I am] growing with my confidence, being able to operate and run this offense, making sure we’re in the right place, and just bringing the energy and leadership to this team,” Watson said. “I try to do that each and every play, make sure we’re in the right play and just continue to grow from there. I have a long way to go, and it’s still early in my career and just hope to build on it,” he said. Watson has also shown what kind of person he is off the field. He made national headlines by donating his first game check – about $27,000 – to three NRG Stadium cafeteria workers impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
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h.s.zone Jalen Green does it all for Heights High School him at d-line.” Green came into the 2017 high school football season highly touted as one of the top Jalen Green is a coach’s dream and a jack defensive backs in the Lone Star State. He has of all trades. already committed to the University of Texas The 6-foot-2 and 185-pound senior when his prep career is completed. two-way standout is listed on the “I like playing both sides of the Heights High School football roster as ball and having a good time on the a cornerback/quarterback. That’s quite field with my teammates,” he said. possibly a misnomer. “My freshman and sophomore years In the Bulldogs’ 68-7 victory I played on offense. Then last over Sam Houston at Barnett Stayear I switched over to defense dium, Green displayed his versatiland played there primarily. This ity on the football field. With seven year I’m getting the opportunity to minutes, 41 seconds left in the second play both ways.” quarter, Green scored on According to Green a 37-yard touchdown that trend will run. continue on the Moments collegiate levbefore halftime el. “Most of Green connected the time I’ll with Curtis play defense, Melrose on a 58but they want yard TD pass that me to play enabled Heights to some offense as carry a 46-7 advanwell,” he said. tage into intermisGreen began sion. playing organized At the 5:51 mark football when he of the third quarter was 6 years old. Green corralled a punt “All my family and dazzled the crowd members played by returning it 51 yards football and that’s for another score. how I got introduced “[Green] does a little to it at a young age,” bit of everything for us,” he said. “We used to said Heights head coach play all the time.” Stephen Dixon. “He’s got Those early years a great attitude and work of preparation are paying ethic. He brings that nastidividends for Green now as Birth date – March 3, 1999 ness edge to the team while he prepares for the teeth of Birth sign – Pisces also bringing that classic the Bulldogs’ District 18-6A Favorite subject– Pre-calculus character element. schedule. Favorite meal – Hot wings “Jalen can do it all With a scholarship sePossible career – Agriculture on the football field,” cured, going into his senior How he relaxes – Hangs out Dixon said. “He is an season Green has two main with teammates all-star cornerback. But I goals in mind for the 2017 Other sports – Track and field tell people all the time that he campaign. could be an all-star free safety, (100, 200, 4X100 and 4X200 “I want to stay healthy and an all-star linebacker, an allrelays) try to go deep in the playoffs,” star quarterback or an he said. “Coach Dixon all-star wide receiver. is a great coach to play We play him at runfor and he has a great Find out what player is the best-kept ning back sometimes. staff to lead us. I’m truly secret in HISD football If we needed to we thankful for the coaches probably could play that I have.” By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
About Jalen Green
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OCTOBER 5 | 2017 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs O.J. Simpson a free man NFL Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson was released on parole from the Nevada prison that had been his home for the past nine years. The 70-year-old actor and commercial pitchman did not reveal where he plans to take up residency, but expressed a desire in the past to return to Florida where he lived prior to incarceration. Nevada parole officials said Simpson plans to live at a home in the Las Vegas area for the time being. Florida corrections officials said they had not received a parole transfer request for Simpson and had not been contacted by their counterparts in Nevada.
Astros help Puerto Rico As Puerto Rico struggles to recover from the ravages of Hurricane Maria, Astros players have come to the aid of the American territory. Puerto Rico native and shortstop Carlos Correa is collecting supplies and working with people in there to determine how best to get his donation to the southern part of the island, his hometown area. Veteran slugger Carlos Beltran donated $1million to the hurricane relief plan on the island. “The situation is critical,” Beltran said. “I saw the action, the compassion in Texas. I saw the same action, the same compassion in Florida. Right now, I’m looking for the same action, the same compassion for the people of Puerto Rico. To aid players’ efforts, Astros owner Jim Crane donated the use of his private planes to transport supplies.
Heights players protest Most of the Heights High School varsity football team kneeled in silent protest during the playing of the national anthem prior to the start of the game against Sam Houston at Barnett Stadium. The Houston Independent School District announced two days earlier that it would not punish student-athletes who peacefully demonstrated during HISD-sanctioned events. Heights head coach Stephen Dixon spoke with his players about their decision in the days leading up to the game. Dixon wanted to make sure his players were doing it for the right reasons and not just emulating what they’d seen from NFL players. “If you’re going to kneel, make sure you know why you’re kneeling,” he said. Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled last year to bring awareness to racial inequality in the U.S. In the interim, many other NFL players have demonstrated in some fashion during the anthem. “If they believe this is about police brutality and racial injustice then I fully support their decision,” Dixon said. Some Heights players stood during the playing of the anthem and Dixon said he supports their decision just as much as the players who kneeled.
Winning streak ends Cy-Fair defeated Cypress Ranch 21-3 on Sept. 28 to end one of the Houston area’s longest winning streaks in district play. The Mustangs had previously won 27 consecutive District 17-6A games dating back to a 42-39 loss to Langham Creek on Sept. 20, 2014. The run included back-to-back unbeaten district titles in 2015 and 2016. Katy (55) and Lamar (49) have longer streaks.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 5 | 2017
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
ENSEMBLE’S “SASSY MAMAS” OPENING NIGHT…….The Ensemble chair Karen Nunn and mistress of ceremony Carla Brown welcomed keynote Theatre opened its 2017-2018 season with a fan favorite play, “Sassy Mamas.” speaker Emelda Douglas and a bevy of attendees including Kelli Burroughs, Directed by the Ensemble’s artistic director Eileen Morris, “Sassy Mamas” is Isis McCraw, Deborah King, Melodee Jordan, Melanie Gordon, Veronica written by award-winning playwright Celeste Bedford Walker and is back by Fahl, Owida Dunn and others…….. BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL popular demand. The season’s theme, “Live It! Love It! Celebrate Theatre!” 2017…..The Foundation for Black Heritage and Culture and Ebony Magazine was on full display during the reception preceding the play and during the recently sponsored the 3rd Annual Black Heritage Music & Arts Festival at memorable performance. Attendees included Robert Discovery Green. The event, founded by Richard Andrews, Ross, Jordan Newhouse, Geary Newhouse, Drucie was headlined by national recording artists Tamia, Eric Benet Defender TOP EVENTS Chase, Roy Owens, Cyndi Johnson, Jo Shaw, Forde and Elle Varner. A number of individuals were honored for More photos on defendernetwork.com McWilliams, Sherri Harris, Lynda House-McPeters their community impact, including Mayor Sylvester Turner; and many others…….. ANNUAL HATS & PEARLS Willard Jackson, Ebony Magazine; Darian Ward, City of SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON…….The Ladies of the Lake Educational and Houston; Velma Trayham, ThinkZILLA PR & Consulting; Larry Johnson, Charitable Foundation hosted its Annual Hats & Pearls Scholarship Luncheon. KTSU-Radio; Percy Creuzot III, Frenchy’s; Daryl King, Principle Partnering Since the foundation’s establishment it has awarded more than $50,000 in Group; Isiah Carey, Fox 26 News; and Larry Green, Houston City Council. academic scholarships to college-bound, graduating high school seniors, and Other attendees included Johnson Publishing Company Chair Linda Johnsonmade donations to organizations like the Susan G. Komen Center and the Rice, State Rep. Shawn Thierry, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Keith American Cancer Society. Foundation president Joyce Davis, fundraising Smith, Day Edwards, Nell Douglas and Mathew Knowles’ group Blush.
Robert Ross, Eileen Morris
Emelda Douglas, Carla Brown
Jordan Newhouse, Geary Newhouse
Deborah King, Melodee Jordan, Joyce Davis
Keith Smith, Crystal Hadnott, Linda Johnson-Rice, Willard Jackson
State Rep. Shawn Thierry, Elle Varner
Chandra Jones, Amos Jones
Nikeya Allen, Kelli Burroughs
Councilmember Larry Green, Richard Andrews
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