Houston Defender: October 11, 2012 by Defender Media Group |DefenderNetwork

SPORTS

facebook.com/DefenderNetwork

NCAA HITS TSU WITH POST-SEASON BANS IN FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL P11

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 81 | Number 50 WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 2012 |FREE

www.defendernetwork.com

twitter.com/DefenderNetwork

LOCAL

Lawsuit threatens

REP. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

minority college admission  PAGE 6

says Riverside Hospital needed

P3 ENTERTAINMENT FLAVOR FLAV nominated to hall of fame

P8 HS SPORTS OPINION

JARVIS DUCKWORTH runs well for Sterling

P11

President Obama

Domestic violence

President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney are getting ready for a second debate. Interest is just as high as the first time, and millions of viewers will watch. What does Obama have to say about his first performance? Where do the candidates stand on one topic? And who will be in the audience?

Each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, one of society’s most pressing problems is underscored. Learn why advocates for victims and their families are urging the public to get involved. See why some victims are not receiving the help they need. Find out why Oct. 15 will be a special day.

debates again

 PAGE 4

CHAG’S PLACE

remains a problem

 PAGE 9

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

Nicole Dove, Karen Jackson and Pearl Burton at Sisters Network ceremony

P12

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012

ontheweb

defendernetwork.com

Stay Connected! Experience the Defender on the world wide web.

Black names gone wild

What to do this weekend

Are we going overboard with the creativity when it comes to naming our kids? At defendernetwork.com

Looking for something to do this weekend? The Defender has a list of things to do in the Houston area at defendernetwork.com.

Fall from grace

Book TALK Karen Quinones Miller tackles the topic of why Black women are so mad in the autobiographical tale, Angry A** Black Woman. More at www.defendernetwork.com.

An exhibit titled “The Tuskegee Airmen: Segregated Skies of World War II” is on display at the African American Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street. Weekend hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s no secret the money that athletes make. But there are several athletes that had – and blew it – all. The story at defendernetwork.com.

See more on: defendernetwork.com Heavenly Star Baptist Church

Women’s Workshop Saturday, October 27, 2012 • 8:30 am - 12 noon

We keep Houston working. enroll today at hccs.edu

“Christian Women Modeling Christ on Life’s Railway” Ephesians 6:10-18

Workshop Speaker: Sister Theola Booker First Lady Greater St. Matthew Church

$10.00 registration fee The conference is open to all women, with classes for those from elementary and up. Vendors are welcomed booths are available. For more information please contact Maria Pennye at:

The reasons people choose HCC are as diverse as the Houstonians we serve. And no institution does more to get students where they’re going faster than HCC. We keep Houston working with affordable tuition, innovative courses, and convenient locations.

Maria Pennye @ nannyria18@yahoo. com

Heavenly Star Baptist Church Pastor: Sylvester Duckens Jr. 4822 Allum Road Houston, Tx. 77045

defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012 | DEFENDER

newstalk

What’s next for Riverside Hospital? By ASWAD WALKER Defender

With the recent arrests of Riverside CEO Earnest Gibson III, his son, Earnest Gibson IV, and five other Riverside employees, many Houstonians are wondering about the future of the iconic Third Ward hospital. Riverside board members are not commenting on the arrests or future viability of the hospital until they have received the advice of legal counsel. It is alleged, however, that Gibson and others defrauded the Medicare program of $158 million over a seven-plus year span. Many believe that if the charge is proven, it could spell the end for the hospital that Riverside Hospital’s future could be in jeopardy. officially opened its doors in July 1927 to meet the healthcare needs of for the poor and the very sick.” Houston’s Black citizens. Jackson Lee said her office will continue to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee labeled work with the broader community to ensure that the Riverside arrests “a tragedy for sick people Riverside’s services are rendered with integrity in Houston,” but said the hospital must remain and respect. open. “Our job is to ensure that the hardworking “None of us condone the heinousness of doctors and nurses can continue to aid the sick widespread fraud in our health care system,” and to save lives. This historic hospital with Jackson Lee said. “The case in Houston will ulti- many valuable programs should not be closed. mately be decided by a court of law, a judge and And I hope the community will rally around or a jury. My task as the representative of the those patients who come every day for help.” 18th Congressional District – in which Riverside In February, former Riverside executive Hospital is located – is to keep this hospital open staff member Mohammad Khan pleaded guilty

TSU hands down hazing punishments Defender News Services

A Texas Southern University Management Task Force led by President John M. Rudley has levied stiff penalties against members of the university’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band. Several members of the band were found to have been involved in elements of hazing. Student members guilty of hazing will be immediately suspended from the university and permanently removed from the band. All guilty students will have their band scholarships revoked. Some scholarships totaled in the tens of thousands of dollars. The suspensions and revoking of scholarships are effective immediately.

The sanctions are subject to appeal by the students. The university is looking at lifting the band suspension for those members who were not involved, but with restrictions. The band, approximately 180-students strong, will see its performances reduced and performances closely monitored. Out-of-state-travel will be decided on a case-by-case basis. TSU has canceled performances at a Thanksgiving Day Parade and removed itself from a Battle of the Bands competition in Atlanta. Band members will also have to perform community service, including anti-hazing workshops at area high schools and community events.

to multiple counts of Medicare fraud. Shortly thereafter, the hospital was dogged by rumors of potential staff layoffs. The Gibsons are charged with conspiring with Khan to create a plan that paid up to $3,200 in cash to “patient recruiters” to pay Houston-area group-home owners to send patients to Riverside’s satellite clinics offering “partial hospitalization programs” for the mentally ill. The indictments against the Riverside employees contend Medicareeligible patients were lured to Riverside’s programs—as opposed to other programs in the city—with cigarettes, food and coupons redeemable in the hospital’s on-site “Country Store.” Houston was part of a seven-state Medicare Fraud Strike Force operation conducted by the Department of Justice. During a national press conference, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the takedowns involved $430 million in false billing, including over $230 million in home health care fraud, more than $100 million in mental health care fraud, and approximately $49 million in ambulance transportation fraud. “Charges against these defendants include health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud, violations of the antikickback statutes, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering,” Holder said.

HCC hosts bond election forums Houston Community College is holding forums throughout the district to discuss its $425 million bond referendum on the ballot for the Nov. 6 election. If approved, funds will be allocated for new facilities, improvements and acquisitions. Since 2007, HCC has grown by 40 percent, and says it must grow and expand to meet the demand. Forums will be held at 7 p.m. each evening. The dates and locations are:

• Monday, Oct. 15, Southeast Learning HUB, Room 108, 6815 Rustic. • Tuesday, Oct. 16, Alief Campus, Auditorium, 2811 Hayes Road. • Wednesday, Oct. 17, North Forest ISD Administration Building, 6010 Little York. • Monday, Oct. 22, Stafford Campus Learning Hub, Multipurpose Rooms 139/140, 10041 Cash Road, Stafford. For more information visit hccs. edu/community.

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

national

U.S.briefs

Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama will debate again.

Candidates prepare for second debate Oct. 16 Defender News Services

During the first debate between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney, an estimated 67.2 million people watched the two candidates square off. Interest is expected to be just as high for the second debate, especially since many political observers felt that Romney gave a stronger performance the first time. Round two takes place Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. It will take the form of a town meeting, in which citizens will ask questions of the candidates on foreign and domestic issues. The candidates each will have two minutes to respond, and an additional minute for the moderator to facilitate a discussion. The town meeting participants will be undecided voters selected by the Gallup Organization. Even Obama admitted that his performance wasn’t up to par during the first debate. During an appearance at a Los Angeles fundraiser, Obama talked about his 20th anniversary celebration, which was delayed because of the debate with Romney.

“The actual anniversary date was not that romantic,” Obama said. “There was some speculation as to whether this had an impact on my performance.” David Axelrod, Obama’s senior campaign strategist, said they would take “a hard look” at Obama’s debate performance and “make some judgments about where to draw the lines in these debates and how to use our time.” Both Romney and Obama have a lot to say about one of the upcoming debate topics, foreign policy. Romney said that if elected president, he will safeguard America and secure its interests and most cherished ideals. “Our country today faces a bewildering array of threats and opportunities,” Romney said. “When America is strong, the world is safer. It is only American power that can provide the foundation for an international system that ensures the security and prosperity of the United States and our friends and allies.” Obama said he has pursued national security policies that keep Americans safe, while turning the page on a decade of war and restoring American leadership abroad.

OCTOBER IS DESIGNATED National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many AfricanAmerican women are all too familiar with the health issue. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-most fatal among Black women. Black women also have a higher incidence rate before 40 years of age and are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age – mortality is 41 percent higher among Black women than white females. A study conducted by the Avon Foundation and Sinai Urban Health Institute found that the disparities in mortality between Black and white women are largely attributable to societal factors such as socioeconomic status and access to health care……..ORGANIZERS OF A PROJECT titled Condom Nation are traveling around the country and dispensing 1 million free condoms in 25 cities. It is a project of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and the goal is to reduce the number of HIV infections. The project’s 18-wheel rig is also equipped to administer HIV and STD tests. According to a report by Population Action International, “Public health experts around the globe agree that condoms block contact with body fluids that can carry the HIV virus and have nearly 100 percent effectiveness when used correctly and consistently.” Stigma, lack of access to free condoms and ignorance are factors that contribute to low condom use…….AN IN-HOME HIV TEST is now available online and will soon be available at more than 30,000 retail stores nationwide. The rapid OraQuick In-Home HIV Test is an over-the-counter version of the same test that professionals have been using for years. More than 25 million rapid HIV tests have been sold to date to hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations and physicians’ offices. The test uses oral fluid by way of mouth swab and results are available in 20 minutes.

Unemployment at lowest point under Obama NNPA

President Barack Obama received a much-needed boost from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report showing that unemployment fell to 7.8 percent in September, the lowest it has been in nearly four years. The September report is significant because, unlike in previous months, the rate did not drop because “discouraged workers” dropped out of the labor force. Not all of the news was encouraging. Even though the unemployment rate for Blacks dropped to 13.4 percent in September from 14.1 percent in August, it remained relatively flat for Black men (14.2 percent in September vs. 14.3 percent in August). The unemployment rate for white men decreased from 6.8

in August to 6.6 percent in September. The jobless rate for white women ticked down two-tenths in September to 6.3 percent. Black women saw the biggest decrease in the unemployment rate among adults, falling from 12 percent in August to 10.9 percent in September. Economists said that it’s still too early to celebrate. The unemployment rate, calculated using household survey data (60,000 households), is considered a more volatile measure than the actual number of jobs added that relies on a much larger sample size. Even though 114,000 jobs were added in September, many of them were part-time, low wage jobs and not nearly enough to keep pace with population growth, according to economists.

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 50 WEEK OF OCTOBER 11, 2012

Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Advertising/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Online Editor ReShonda Billingsley

Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila People Editor Yvette Chargois Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Contributing Writer Aswad Walker

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).

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012 | DEFENDER

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com

coverp

Minority college admissions at risk By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

he U.S. Supreme Court will decide the fate of countless minority college students when it rules on Fisher v. University of Texas. The court recently heard arguments in the case, and will make a decision by June. If the court rules against UT, the consequences could be disastrous nationwide, ending affirmative action in college admissions. “It will have a devastating impact, and anyone who says otherwise is simply not telling the truth,” said Houston State State Sen. Rodney Ellis Professor Peter Linzer Sen. Rodney Ellis. “We already have an “Also, the fact that the court even took up the case so example. In the mid-1990s, the Hopwood decision banned shortly after deciding this issue is troubling,” Ellis said. consideration of race in Texas admissions decisions, and “It is certainly not unprecedented for the court to take up diversity at our college campuses plummeted.” an issue so soon after settling the matter, but it is rare and The Fisher case is the first federal litigation chalcause for speculation.” lenging the use of race in college admissions since the Peter Linzer, a professor of law at the University of Supreme Court’s 2003 decision in Grutter v. Bollinger. Houston Law Center, said UT “is almost certain to lose” That decision upheld an admissions policy at the Univerthe Fisher case. sity of Michigan Law School and affirmed the educational “Justice O’Connor, who was the fifth vote to uphold importance of diversity. the University of Michigan Law School’s affirmative acThis time, UT is defending the use of race in admistion program, has been replaced by Justice Samuel Alito, sions. The case involves Abigail Fisher, a student from who appears to be against affirmative action,” Linzer Sugar Land who was denied admission to UT in 2008. explained. Fisher sued the university, claiming she was denied admis“Even more, Justice Elana Kagan, who replaced Jussion because she is white. tice Stevens, but like him would have voted for affirmaFisher did not qualify for the state’s Top Ten Percent tive action, has recused herself, presumably because she plan, in which high school students who graduate in the was somehow connected with the case when she was in top 10 percent of their class are guaranteed automatic the Obama Administration or because of her positions as admission to any public university in Texas. dean of Harvard Law School. Fisher’s lawsuit does not challenge the Top Ten Per“Thus, there will be only eight justices voting,” cent plan. Instead, it claims that Fisher was rejected under Linzer said. “If one of Roberts, Kennedy or Alito (all, in a UT policy that includes race as a factor in choosing my opinion, unlikely) joined the three remaining liberal students who fall short of the top 10 percent. votes (Ginsburg, Breyer and Sotomayor), that would

Win or lose?

Because of the conservative make-up of the current Supreme Court, Ellis is apprehensive about the outcome of the case. “I think there is some grave concern that the changes on the court in the past seven years will not favor those who support ensuring access and opportunity in higher education,” he said. “The justice who wrote the decision in 2003 – a Ronald Reagan appointee, I might add – is no longer there and the justice who replaced her is considered very much more conservative.

produce a 4-4 tie, which would affirm the pro-UT decision without a decision on the merits. That is about the best UT can hope for.”

The impact

What impact does Linzer think a UT loss would have on students and colleges? “That’s not clear,” he said. “The decision could go off on the narrow ground that UT didn’t need affirmative action because of Texas’s rule of automatic admission to some state college or university for those in the top percentage of their high school class. That might mean that no Texas state institutions could use racial affirmative

action. “But if it does this, states that don’t have an automatic admission policy might still be able to use racially-weighted affirmative action. If the majority uses the case to make a broad statement against affirmative action, it could threaten all such programs nationwide.” Ellis believes a Supreme Court vote in favor of Fisher would roll back the clock on progress, and said what happened after 1996’s Hopwood decision proves his point. UT’s 1997-98 freshman class, for example, saw African-American admissions drop 28 percent. If the court rules against UT, Ellis said there is not much the state can do to ensure diversity. “The legislature must act within the constrictions of what the Supreme Court says is legal under the Constitution,” Ellis said. “We can pass legislation to tweak policies here and there, but a rejection of UT’s admission standards would be a terrible blow because those policies are not even close to what people consider classic ‘affirmative action.’ ” Ellis has another concern. “I happen to believe that a negative ruling could have an impact far beyond only higher education,” he said. “My concern is that the court could rule broadly and ban any use of affirmative action at all, fundamentally altering how all business is conducted in the United States.”

Who is Abig

Abigail Fisher, a graduate of Stephen F. Austin High S Sugar Land, dreamed of attending the University of Texas Fisher, however, was denied entrance to UT, and in 2008 s challenging its admissions policy. Fisher has since graduated from Louisiana State Unive degree in finance and is working as a financial analyst. In eotaped interview, Fisher insisted UT discriminated agains she was white. “There were people in my class with lower grades who all the activities I was in in who were being accepted into U only other difference between us was the color of our skin Fisher said she did everything possible to qualify for a “I took a ton of [advanced placement] classes,” she sa

defendernetwork.com • Serving th

page UT president discusses Fisher case Since becoming ity for UT. We filed a president of the University comprehensive brief in of Texas at Austin in 2006, August and [made] oral William Powers Jr. has arguments before the court. emphasized recruiting a In addition, more than 50 diverse student body and outside groups, organizafaculty. tions and individuals have That student diverfiled amicus briefs on our sity could be threatened if behalf, supporting our the Supreme Court rules case before the Supreme against UT in the Fisher Court. These included case. civil rights groups, colPowers, the former lege presidents, students, dean of UT’s School of business leaders and Law, shared his thoughts retired military leaders. on the Fisher case with the Defender: How Defender. would UT’s minority UT President William Powers Jr. Defender: Why enrollment be impacted should the minority community be concerned if the university loses the case? about the outcome of the case? Powers: Under state law, UT would be Powers: Having a diverse student body at required to admit a larger portion of our class the University of Texas at Austin and in all U.S. under Texas’ automatic admission law — colleges and universities improves the educational commonly known as the Top 10 Percent law. experience for all students and helps prepare them This would reduce the number of spaces we to work (and lead) in an increasingly global and have available to admit students under our diverse world. All Texans and Americans should be holistic admissions process. concerned about these issues. Defender: How could minority college Defender: Is UT optimistic that it will win enrollment in Texas or across the country be impacted? the case? Powers: Recent history in other states, Powers: We are confident we will get a fair including California, suggests that enrollment hearing from the justices. of some minority groups can fall when uniDefender: What is UT doing to defend the versities are not permitted to use ethnicity as a case? factor in their admissions process. Powers: Defending this case is a top prior-

UT enrollment by ethnicity/race White Hispanic Black Asian Am. Indian Hawaiian/Pac Other Foreign Unknown0.

49/8% 18.4% 4.5% 15.2% 3% 0.1% 1.8% 9.0% 8%

gail Fisher?

School in at Austin. she filed suit

ersity with a a recent vidst her because

o weren’t in UT, and the ,” she said. admission. aid. “I studied

hard and did my homework and I made the honor roll. I was in extracurricular activities. I played the cello and I was in math club and I volunteered. I put in the work I thought that was necessary to get into UT.” She said UT’s rejection of her did not make sense. “I was taught since from the time I was a little girl that any kind of discrimination was wrong. And for an institution of higher learning to act this way makes no sense to me. What kind of example does this set for others?” Fisher added that she did not file suit for recognition. “I just wanted to stand up and say ‘this isn’t right’ because it isn’t,” she said. “I hope that by doing this, other students in years to come won’t have to worry about the color of their skin when applying to college.” Abigail Fisher says UT discriminated against her.

e Houston area for over 80 years

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Fans can vote for 2013 inductees By ALEXIS TAYLOR AFRO Staff Writer

For the first time, Americans will be able to participate in a fan poll to help pick the 2013 class of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The nominees include several Black artists. Chic, Donna Summer, and the Marvelettes are among the 15 nominees announced as possible inductees for the 28th annual class. The range of Black nominees spans different time periods and cultures, including everything from blues guitarist Albert King to the controversial hip-hop groups N.W.A., led by the late Easy-E, and Public Enemy. “The definition of ‘rock and roll’ means different things to different people, but as broad as the classifications may be, they all share a common love of the music,” said Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “This year we again proudly put forth a fantastic array of groups and artists that span the entire genre that is ‘rock and roll.’” Inductees become eligible for initiation into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their initial record. Those considered for induction must obtain at least 50 percent of the more than 600 votes cast by members of the organization. This year’s induction process includes a “fan’s ballot” that will consist of the top five artists chosen by the music lovers around the globe and will be included among the experts’ votes. Fans will be able to cast their vote until Dec. 5. The new inductees will be announced in early December of this year, with an awards show to take place on April 18 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and aired on HBO. The first class of inductees was announced in 1986 and included great American acts such as Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, James Brown, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke.

Public Enemy

Chic

The Marvelettes

Vote at www.rockhall.com

Donna Summer

what’sup QUEEN LATIFAH and the cast of Lifetime TV’s movie “Steel Magnolias” got some good news. The remake had an average of 6.5 million viewers, becoming the network’s third most-watched original telecast ever. PHYLICIA RASHAD, ADEPERO ODUYE, CONDOLA RASHAD, JILL SCOTT and ALFRE WOODARD also star in the movie. The network will show encore presentations, and the next one is Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. The contemporary version of the stage play and 1989 film chronicles the lives and friendship of six women in Louisiana who congregate at a beauty shop……..KIM BURRELL has signed a recording deal with Arrow Records, a division of Arrow Global Entertainment. The Houston gospel

artist is a Grammy nominee and three-time Stellar Award-winner. Burrell has released five albums and worked with such stars as YOLANDA ADAMS, KIRK FRANKLIN, STEVIE WONDER and her late friend, WHITNEY HOUSTON. Burrell is the pastor of Love & Liberty Fellowship Church on Homestead…….BEYONCÉ shared the stage with husband JAY-Z during the final show of his sold-out concert series in Brooklyn. She performed “Diva,” “Crazy in Love” and “Forever Young.” Jay-Z also made news when he rode the subway to Brooklyn, the first time he used mass transit in 18 years…….. TYLER PERRY fans will soon learn what kind of action star he makes when the new film “Alex Cross” hits theaters this month. Perry is

currently gracing the November issue of Essence, and among other things, discusses the love he feels for the women who support him. “When Black women are down with you and in your corner, you have an ally that will move heaven and earth,” Perry said…….. SHERRI SHEPHERD hosts the new season of “The Newlywed Game.” It premieres Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. on GSN, the Game Show Network. The show is a modern installment of the classic series showcasing three newly married couples of wide-ranging backgrounds who face off in a series of question rounds. Shepherd remains busy as a Daytime Emmy Award-winning co-host of “The View.” In addition, she occasionally stars as Tracy Morgan’s wife, Angie, on “30 Rock.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

defendernetwork.com

WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012 | DEFENDER

autoreview

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE sedan By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

Perhaps the greatest compliment that could be paid to the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE sedan is that it is like driving the all-new gas powered 2012 Camry. If you don’t believe it, take both out for a test drive. Camry has been the best-selling car in America for nine of the past 10 years. Yet the competition is coming on like gang busters. Hyundai, Kia, Ford and Volkswagen have made significant inroads with their mid-sized entries. When introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, the Camry hybrid quickly became the second-best selling hybrid behind the Prius. By 2010, the Camry hybrid had slipped to the fourth best selling hybrid. Through last month, Camry hybrid was eighth in mid-sized sales. Toyota is confident the seventh-generation Camry will continue being the best-selling mid-sized vehicle in America. It is also confident the 2012 Camry hybrid will double its sales this year to around 50,000 and reclaim its sales ranking. Here’s a sampling of reasons why. The Camry hybrid boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a 245-volt battery pack that produces a combined 200-horsepower, a gain of 13 horsepower from the previous version. The end result is a baby stroller ride with increased power and an industry-best fuel efficiency (40 mpg).

SPECS

MSRP base price – $27,400 (as tested $34,547) Engine – 2.5-liter four-cylinder Transmission – Electronic continuously variable Fuel economy – 40 miles per gallon (city), 38 mpg (highway) Estimated annual fuel cost – $1,388 (based on $3.70 per gallon) Weight is a major nemesis of fuel efficiency and Toyota has trimmed about 250 pounds from the current Camry hybrid. Aerodynamics is another major factor in fuel efficiency and Camry hybrid achieves a notable 0.27 coefficient of

Domestic violence victims seek help Defender News Services

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the problem is a pressing one. The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) recently reported that many shelters across the state have been over capacity in the last year because of an increased demand for victims of domestic violence seeking services. In the last year, more than 223,000 Texans called domestic violence hotlines and domestic violence programs served more than 80,000 adults and children because they did not feel safe in their home. A recent survey of shelters also reported that there is less money coming in to help victims of domestic violence and more of a demand for their services. Courtney Sanchez, a domestic violence survivor from Austin said: “After having to make this decision to leave, survivors are often greeted by the frightening realization that the shelter from which they are seeking refuge is full and

cannot take them and their children in because there are no vacancies, at which time they are placed on a waiting list.” TCFV is encouraging Texans to get involved and wear purple this month to support victims. “Budgets are tight and services for victims of domestic violence are in high demand. We are asking Texans to support funding for victims of domestic violence and to “Go Purple” on October 15 and show their support,” said Gloria A. Terry, president of TCFV. “[This] month provides an opportunity for us to raise awareness about domestic violence across Texas,” Terry said. TCFV, formed in 1978, is one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. TCFV promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. For more information visit www.tcfv.org.

drag wind resistance (compared to 0.25 for Prius). To reach that number, underbody aerodynamic cladding was strategically placed, along with small fins added to the side-view mirrors and taillight lenses that create a buffer around the vehicle to help it slip through the air. Software engineers are credited with helping to increase the mpg numbers by enhancing the hybrid system’s power management. The hybrid’s electronic sensors precisely determine what blend of gas and electric propulsion best balances power and fuel economy. New roller resistance tires also help boost fuel economy. Not many changes have been made to the Camry hybrid’s exterior. The most noteworthy change is up front where a new chrome grille sweeps upward to a refreshed headlamp design. On the interior, the Camry hybrid possesses soft-touch plastic on the upper dash combined with cloth stitching to give a more upscale appearance. Soft textures are also utilized on the upper door trim, door and center console armrest as well as kneepads on both sides of the console. The 2012 Camry Hybrid XLE sedan is one of the safest vehicles to drive on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the Camry hybrid five-star ratings in frontal driver, side front seat and crash rear seat categories. Four stars were earned in crash passenger and rollover divisions.

Texans get unemployment extension Defender News Services

The Texas Workforce Commission recently announced a nine-week extension of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act benefits (Tier III) for unemployed Texans. The extension comes as a result of the state’s average unemployment rate reaching an estimated 7 percent or higher over the previous three months. Claimants currently receiving unemployment benefits will automatically have the additional benefits added to their benefit period and will receive a letter showing the additional amount of benefits they could potentially receive. TWC will also mail letters to claimants who have exhausted prior benefits and may be eligible for the extension. The extension brings the total number of benefit weeks an individual in Texas may qualify for to a maximum of 63 weeks. For information call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012

defendernetwork.com

sports

MLB playoffs signal start of fall won the NL Central Division. Manager Baker returns to the dugout after several health issues at the end of the season including a mild stroke. The Reds have a potent pitching staff led by Johnny Cueto. They boast four pitcher’s with ERAs under 4.00. If that wasn’t enough, they feature one of the league’s best bullpens in Aroldis Chapman, Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton. Joey Voto will lead the Reds offensive attack. He’ll be supported by Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, Scott Rolen and Miguel Cairo.

By MAX EDISON Defender

The leaves are changing colors, the temperature is dropping and the Texans are winning. All these are signs that signal that fall is upon us. In case you’ve forgotten (Astros fans), another sign that fall is here is that postseason play in Major League Baseball has begun. Even though the Texas Rangers have already been eliminated, for real baseball fans, it’s the golden time of the year.

American League

National League ups.

The NL playoff agenda features two classic match-

The Washington Nationals vs. the St Louis is one. The experienced defending World Series champions Cardinals go against the youthful and extremely talented Nats. The Cardinals finished the season with a record of 88-74, good enough to capture one of NL wild card positions out of the Central Division. First year manager Mike Matheny has a squad that is battle-tested. Pitcher Kyle Lohse is a legitimate Cy Young candidate. Couple him with Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter and you have a potent starting pitching rotation. The Cardinals are loaded with offensive fire power starting with former Astro Carlos Beltran. Yadier Molina, David Freese, Matt Holliday and Allen Craig are all explosive offensive weapons. The Nationals are the darlings of the playoffs. For years they were one of the NL’s more hapless franchises. Those years of futility created an excellent parcel of outstanding young talent which veteran manager Davey Johnson has molded into a winner, outdueling experienced teams like the Braves and Phillies to win the NL East. The Nats have a potent pitching staff and that’s without ace Stephen Strasburg who has been shut down for the playoffs. Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmerm are a potent 1-2 punch. Ross Detwiler and Edwin Jackson are key starters that will be counted on to contribute. Offensively, the Nationals have “long

C.C. Sabathia

ball.” They were second in the NL in homers. Expect Mike Morse and Danny Espinosa to provide lots of “pop.” Consensus NL Rookie of the Year candidate Bryce Harper will get his first dose of playoff action. The second match-up on the NL side will pit the San Francisco Giants against the Cincinnati Reds. In other words, Reds manager Dusty Baker vs. his former team, the Giants. The Giants won the NL West. They boast a potent pitching staff featuring Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum and a resurgent Barry Zito. Veteran bullpen ace Brian Wilson is always ready to preserve a win. Offensively, manager Bruce Bochey will turn to NL batting champion Buster Posey to lead the hit parade. Gregor Blanco hit .291 in September and hopes that hot bat carries over into the playoffs. Former Astro Hunter Pence will also be counted on to make a big offensive contribution. The Reds

The AL playoff will feature lots of fireworks. The Detroit Tiger vs. the Oakland A’s should be a great match-up. The Tigers won the AL Central Division. Their pitching staff is lead by Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. Former Astro closer Jose Valverde remains one of the AL’s very best. The Tigers boast one of the AL’s most explosive offenses. Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera is just the tip of the iceberg. Combine him with Prince Fielder, Delmon Young and Jhonny Peralta and manager Robin Ventura has a group that is worthy of a World Series match-up. The Oakland A’s surprised everyone by winning the AL West. The A’s piching staff is potent featuring Jarrod Parker, Travis Blackley, Tommy Milone, A.J. Griffin. The relief staff is filthy with the trio of Ryan Cook, Sean Doolittle and Grant Balfour Manager Bob Melvin count on Josh Reddick, Yoenis Cespedes, Brandon Moss to provide the offense to get the A’s over the hump. The Yankees and Orioles simply continue their AL East Division rivalry into the playoffs. The Orioles manager Buck Showalter will count on Jim Johnson, Wei-Yi Chen and Jason Hammel to handle their starting pitching chores. Nat McLouth, Jim Thome, J. J. Hardy and Adam Jones will be counted on to provide run support and keep the offense productive. The Yankees won the AL East and as usual have some of the game’s top talent. The Captain, Derek Jeter, along with Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira comprise a tremendous offensive advantage. The pitching staff is solid, led by C.C. Sabathia, Derek Lowe, Hiroki Kuroda and the ageless Andy Pettitte. Rafael Soriano has been money coming out of the bullpen.

Carlos Bertran

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

Dusty Baker

WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012 DEFENDER

defendernetwork.com

h.s.zone Sterling’s Duckworth has

visions of Sanders By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

something right.” Duckworth finished the 48-42 overtime loss to Yates with 223 yards on 39 carries and touchdown runs of two, four and seven yards. When asked about games that quickly come to mind during his high school career, that’s one of them. The following week Duckworth led Sterling to a 42-0 District 23-3A victory over South Park community rival Jones with a game-high 74 yards on 22 carries and a six-yard TD run. Once again, the defense was stacked against him and the Falcons did a good job of gang tackling. During the 2011 season, Duck-

The words were music to his ears. At one point during the recent Houston Sterling versus Yates high school football game, a local sportswriter in the Barnett Stadium press box commented that No. 21 had a style similar to former Detroit Lions’ All-Pro running back Barry Sanders. A member of both the college and National Football League halls of fame, Sanders was ranked by the NFL Top 10 as the most elusive runner in league history. He also topped the list of greatest players never to reach the Meal: Hamburger Super Bowl Possible career: Mechanical and retired in engineering good health Subject: Math after 10 Book: Bible seasons as Cure for world problem: the league’s Prevent crime second leadJarvis Duckworth and coach ing all-time Dwayne Colbert. rusher. With all due respect to Yates all-everything tailback Arthur worth rushed for 1,015 yards and Lockett, who was also playing in scored 12 touchdowns. The 2012 isthe game, and the stable of talented sue of Dave Campbell’s Texas Foothigh school ball carriers in the ball Magazine wrote that Duckworth greater Houston area, the reference is a complete runner, while also made in that instance was to Sternoting that he’s the leading returning ling running back Jarvis Duckworth. tackler on defense. When the latest of the three Sterling Raiders head football generations of Duckworth brothers coach Dwayne Colbert has had the that have played running back at good fortune of coaching Ira, KenHouston’s Ross Shaw Sterling High neth and now Jarvis Duckworth. School was informed of the com“Jarvis is a relentless runner. ment, a huge smile encompassed He’s a real rugged runner, he’s a his face. downhill running back,” Colbert “Barry Sanders is the one said. “He thrives when opposing derunning back that I’ve always adfenses are stacked up to stop him. In mired,” Duckworth said. “He’s the the Yates game, he was a one-man one at the top of the mountain. He wrecking crew.” could do it all and he did it while That has been the modus opeplaying for teams that weren’t that randi (MO) of the three Duckworth good. When you’re compared to brothers at running back for Sterling Barry Sanders, you must be doing High School over the past decade.

Duckworth’s favorites

“Ira was a tall, downhill running back that didn’t mind carrying the load,” Jarvis said. “He expected to get 30-plus carries a game and he figured by the end of the game, he would have impacted his will on the opposing defense. He loved to give out punishment. “Kenneth was more of a stopand-go runner that could stop on a dime and change directions,” Jarvis Duckworth said. “He was a shifty type of runner who could change pace on the fly.” Jarvis says that he’s a combination of both brothers – blending the raw speed and power of Ira with the shiftiness and change of pace that Kenneth possessed. “I don’t mind contact but I take pride in making sure the first tackler doesn’t bring me down,” Duckworth said. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior doesn’t have to shoulder the rushing load alone this season. Colbert is blessed with two other talented running backs that can spell Duckworth and keep the Raiders’ offense marching toward the end zone. Adrian Robeson, a 6-foot, 195-pound senior, had TD runs of 12 and one yards against Yates and scored on a 56-yard sprint against Jones. Junior Demetrius Davis had a 55-yard scoring romp against Yates. All three will be needed if the Raiders are going to secure one of the three playoff berths in District 23-3A with the likes of Kashmere, Furr, Worthing and Booker T. Washington lurking on the schedule. “I’m just glad I’ve got another Duckworth on my side,” Colbert said.

NCAA hits TSU with sanctions Defender News Services Citing a lack of institutional control, the NCAA recently hit Texas Southern University with a dozen penalties. They include banning the football team from postseason play in 2013 and 2014, and the men’s basketball teams in 2012-13. TSU said it agreed with the sanctions. ‘’It has taken the NCAA process to learn the things that we were doing wrong,’’ said TSU Athletic Director Charles McClelland. “If we had not gone through this process, we possibly could have made the same mistakes again. We concentrated on taking the breath out of these issues and now we’re exhibiting excellence in the process.’’ The NCAA released a statement that said: “Texas Southern University demonstrated a lack of institutional control and was responsible for booster involvement in recruiting, academic improprieties, ineligible student-athlete participation and exceeding scholarship limits, according to a decision announced today by the Division I Committee on Infractions. “In addition, the former head basketball coach was cited for unethical conduct and the former head football coach did not promote an atmosphere for compliance, the committee said in its report.” The committee called TSU a “double repeat violator,” and said “Texas Southern either has been on probation or had violations occurring on campus, or both, for 16 of the past 20 years. At various times during the earlier probation periods the university reported to the committee it was taking certain remedial actions when it actually was not, which was of particular concern to the committee.” Other penalties in the case include: • Public reprimand and censure. • Five years probation from Oct. 9, 2012 through Oct. 8, 2017. • A limit of 11 men’s basketball scholarships (from 13 maximum) for three academic years. • Due to health and safety concerns related to the reductions in scholarships and squad size, during probation, the football team can only compete against FCS member schools. • Reduction in the available number of recruiting person days by 10 for men’s basketball during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years (self-imposed by the university). • An in-person review of the university’s athletics policies and practices must be conducted annually, at the university’s expense, through the term of probation. TSU said it is now on the right track, and cited comments made by NCAA committee member Greg Sankey during a phone conference. “The current administration has been cooperative and helpful…There has been a different level of involvement and activity in this current administration,” Sankey said. “We appreciate the fact that the NCAA committee has confidence in the university’s current leadership and we are committed to make that confidence warranted,” said TSU President Dr. John Rudley.”

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years

DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 11 | 2012 com

defendernetwork.

For Event Coverage...visit

defendernetwork.com

chag’splace

WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY AND AWARDS….. PINK LIGHTING CEREMONY…..Sisters Network, The Flexible Workplace Initiative, a division of TCT Inc., the only national African-American breast cancer Enterprises, LLC, provides leadership for Houston survivorship organization in the United States, hosted area employers participating in the its second annual pink lighting Alfred P. Sloan Program. TCT ceremony at the Sister House located Join Yvette Chargois Enterprises hosted its seventh annual at 2922 Rosedale Street. To kick off Flexible Workplace luncheon at the and celebrate National Breast Cancer Events of the Week Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Awareness Month, the Sister House is More photos on defendernetwork.com Land. The Alfred P. Sloan Awards glowing in pink for the entire month See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. are part of the national When Work of October. The lighting serves Works project, a research-based as a symbol of the organization’s initiative to highlight how effective commitment to increase awareness and flexible workplaces can yield positive business about the breast cancer crisis affecting Africanresults and help employees succeed at work and at American women nationwide. Founded in 1994 by home. This year’s award recipients included Access Karen E. Jackson, Sister Network is governed by an Sciences Corporation, Binkley & Barfield, Houston elected board of directors and assisted by an appointed Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library, medical advisory board and has over 40 affiliated United Airlines, North Houston Reservations and chapters located in 22 cities. Over 100 breast cancer Klotz Associated, to name a few. The theme for this survivors, supporters and business and community year’s event was “Managing Performance for the leaders attended the event. Continued success!.....

Nicole Dove, Karen Jackson and Pearl Burton

Chandra Brooks, Erie Calloway and Kelly Hodges

Flexible Workplace.” An impressive panel centered their discussion around the theme. Attendees included Fannette Bynam, Pat McFarland, Trillis Thompson, Princess Moholo, and Annie Wright. Kudos to president and principal, Shirley A. Crews Taylor and her staff. Congratulations!..... CREATIVE WORKS…..The Community Artists’ Collective opened its fall exhibition season with “Blended Talents, Multiple Mediums,” a collection of cooperative and collaborative creative works, followed by the movie “Medicine for Melancholy.” Participating artists included the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston founder Reginald Adams partnering with the Collective’s co-founder Michelle Barnes. Also included was body artist Vonetta Berry partnering with photographer, performance artist and dancer Teidra Bandele. The exhibit runs through Nov. 3 and showcases artists who pair with another artist with whom they have a personal bond to create a collaborative piece. Great exhibit!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Yvette Sherade and Lisa Nettey

Fannette Bynam and Pat McFarland

Shirley Crews Taylor and Trellis Thompson

Princess Moholo and Annie Wright

Denna Santiago, Iya Diya, LaVita Ru and Ines Pujol

Artists Vonetta Berry and Teidra Bandele

Artists Reginald Adams and Michelle Barnes

defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 80 years