FEATURE
WHERE DID THE HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF MONEY GO? P3
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Houston’s Leading Black Information Source
Volume 86 | Number 49 OCTOBER 12 , 2017 |FREE
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NEWSTALK SHEILA JACKSON LEE leading the charge against gun violence
P2 NATIONAL PATRICK HARMON killed by Salt Lake City, UT police
P4 H.S ZONE GREG WILSON coaches big plays at Westbury
SEGREGATED SCHOOLS RETURN Will Black students benefit? H PAGE 6
P11 TOP EVENTS
Mathew Knowles
Ed Oliver
The talented mogul is known for his musical success, but he’ll be on hand to talk about his best-selling book at the National Black Book Festival. Dozens of authors, book clubs and literary lovers will also attend the 10th annual event.
The University of Houston Cougar is considered one of the nation’s most dominant collegiate defensive lineman. The sophomore has been a one-man wrecking crew and shows no sign of letting up.
showcasing book
Chef Dee Dee Coleman, Carla Hall, and Yolanda Pope at the Cooking With a Twist event.
dominates at UH
H PAGE 5
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 12 | 2017
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Jackson Lee proposes ‘gun sense’ laws By ASWAD WALKER Defender
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee takes a knee for gun control legislation. (Photo by Aswad Walker).
In the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting, Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced a call for “gun sense” and “gun responsibility” legislation, along with specific supportive actions from citizens disturbed by ongoing gun violence. “Mr. President, please, besides the work that we have to do for all those suffering from the hurricanes, I can’t imagine something that requires more leadership from us in Congress and leadership from the White House,” she said, making a request to President Donald Trump. “I’m extending my hand to the president of the United States that we not go one more day, one more moment, where we have to have law enforcement standing over those deceased persons or helping to throw people in trucks who are wounded.” Jackson Lee is calling for an immediate ban on the sale of bump stocks like the one used by
Las Vegas mass murderer Steve Paddock to upgrade his semi-automatic rifle to an automatic, rapid-fire weapon that allowed him to kill 58 concert-goers and injure nearly 600 in just minutes on Oct. 1. But that’s not all Jackson Lee seeks. “I’m asking for an expanded background check if we have not already banned these military-type weapons; not three days but a longer waiting period for the purchase of these particular items,” said Jackson Lee, who was joined at a press conference by HPD Chief Art Acevedo, Constable Alan Rosen, members of Moms Demand Action, countless clergy and other supporters. “I’m asking for ending the legislation to pass the deregulation of silencers,” she said. “And we will be seeking to regulate the sale but also the type of ammunition that can be sold.” Jackson Lee is asking Houstonians to text D.C. lawmakers to ban bump stocks and to participate in an upcoming gun buy-back program coordinated by local law enforcement and supported by local businesses.
Student sues Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Worthing meeting October 21
India Landry, a 17-yearold Cypress-Fairbanks student, is suing the district after she was expelled for not standing for the daily Pledge of Allegiance. Landry’s suit claims that administrators at Windfern High School were “whipped into a frenzy by the publicity of AfricanAmerican NFL players kneel-
Oct. 21, 10 am Worthing High School 9215 Scott St Houston, TX 77051
ing for the national anthem.” Landry said she refused to stand for the past school year “because it goes against everything I believe in.” On Oct. 2, she was expelled by school officials, who told her that “this isn’t the NFL.” The suit seeks unspecified exemplary and punitive damages.
Parents, alumni and concerned citizens are urged to attend a Town Hall meeting to discuss the possible closure of Worthing High School. Worthing has been on an “Improvement Required” status for five years. The Texas Education Agency has warned that any school that doesn’t come out of IR after five years, would be closed down. Worthing alumnus Jackie Jackson is leading the charge to bring attention to the dire needs at the southwest Houston school. “We are in our last year,” said Jackson.
“And we’re still in the same spot. Where are the resources? We have people bringing ideas, but no dedicated coordination company that knows what to do. We don’t have time to learn things. We need to have someone in there doing the actual work. That’s the HISD part. We need them to do the things they promised. We also need the parents to do their part. Make sure their kids are on time.” Jackson is hoping the community can offer ideas to panelists consisting of representatives for TEA and Wanda Adams from HISD. “We’re starting the conversation to try and move to success. We know what the problems are but we cant keep talking about whats not being done. We have to make something happen. And we don’t have one to two years to do it.”
localbriefs A TEXAS OFFICIAL WHO CALLED two of his colleagues “n***ers” changed his mind about resigning. Brownsville City Commissioner Cesar De Leon said he would not resign for using the racial slur, but later resigned. He then rescinded his resignation four days after submitting a letter of resignation. De Leon was forced to apologize for his remarks but said that he neither condones nor practices racism. “I still stand against injustice, unfair, and unlawful treatment of any American regardless of race, religion, age or social standing,” he said. A recording of De Leon using the n-word and f-word as he described two prosecutors was posted on social media..…..
FEMA IS EXTENDING THE HOTEL STAYS for Harvey survivors who still need time finding housing, until Oct. 24.. The agency reports that it has paid for nearly 1 million nights in hotels for Texas’ displaced Harvey victims so far. Flood victims currently housed in hotels will not have to do anything additional to stay. The 14-day extension is only available for eligible applicants in the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Eligible participants will receive a phone call instructing them with the steps to take to stay at their current hotel or to find a new one. Those who aren’t in the program but may be eligible
will also be notified…….HISD HAS BEEN AWARDED three grants, including one that is believed to be the largest grant the district has ever received. Each of the three grants is from the U.S. Department of Education. The largest totals $47 million and will go to recruiting and retaining the best teachers and administrators at the district’s most struggling schools. The district also received a nearly $15 million grant for STEM education at six HISD schools, and a $1.3 million grant that will go toward professional development for music and arts teachers in highpoverty schools.
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OCTOBER 12 | 2017 | DEFENDER
H A RV E Y R E L I E F
How much has been given, spent from the state disaster fund to pay for Harveyrelated expenses, and just under half of that went to fund Houston’s recovery efforts. Another $43 million went toward deploying the National Guard during the storm, and the remaining $10 million went to the Department of Public Safety for costs incurred by the Texas Emergency Management Division.
Texas Tribune
After Hurricane Harvey dumped up to 50 inches of rain on parts of southeast Texas and caused historic flooding, an outpouring of financial support and charitable contributions has flowed to Harveyrelated causes. Almost a month and a half later, floodwaters have receded, leaving Texans in 39 counties to clean up rotting debris and destroyed homes. An estimated 1,100 people remained in eight different emergency shelters around the state, and 62,304 Texas residents are still living in FEMApaid hotel rooms. Two weeks after the category 4 storm made landfall, Congress approved a $15 billion federal aid package. And donors have given hundreds of millions more to the Red Cross and a host of Harvey relief funds: one started by Houston Texans star J.J. Watt has pulled in $27 million, while the Rebuild Texas Fund, spearheaded by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, has raised $70.7 million. “We are in that period where everyone is saying nice things and patting everyone on the back saying we understand your pain, we understand your needs, and sooner or later that’s going to get back to dollars and how those are spent,” Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said at a recent legislative appropriations meeting. So how exactly is that money being used? Here’s an overview of what’s been spent at the state and federal level – and what hasn’t.
RED CROSS: $300 MILLION
assistance for Texans affected by Harvey, including $683.2 million on housing-related expenses – help paying rent, essential home repairs and some personal property replacement – and $203.4 million on “other needs assistance” that includes hotel rooms and $500 stipends for displaced people. The agency has also approved an additional $327.8 million to local governments that have requested help rebuilding infrastructure like roads, bridges and levies. The other half of the federal relief money flows through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help finance long-term rebuilding. It’s intended to fill in the gaps after individuals or government agencies have exhausted all other sources of relief. None of the $7.4 billion the department has received from Congress has arrived in Texas yet, and it will be a while until it does because of a complicated process of assessing needs and developing a spending plan that must be approved by multiple layers of government. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush told state lawmakers that it could take from seven to 32 months for the funds to work their way through that process. The SBA has approved $784 million in low-interest loans in Texas, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has administered more than $209 million in USDA food assistance.
#HOUSTONSTRONG
FEDERAL FUNDING: $15 BILLION
While lawmakers are expected to approve more money for disaster relief – Texas leaders requested another $18.7 billion – the state won’t get the full $15 billion because the money will be divided among the states and territories hit by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. About half of the money has gone to FEMA, which generally helps disaster victims take care of more short-term needs like food, water, medical care and temporary housing. So far the agency has spent $886.6 million on
STATE OF TEXAS: $103 MILLION
Gov. Greg Abbott has awarded $103 million
Central Texas chapter spokesman Geof Sloan said the nonprofit, which partners with local governments to run shelters and provide disaster assistance, has given $148 million in direct financial aid in the form of $400 stipends to more than 370,000 Texas households as of Sept. 28. The Red Cross continued accepting applications for the stipends through Oct. 10. Sloan said the organization has deployed more than 7,300 workers to support efforts in Texas. Its emergency shelters have served more than 3.7 million meals and snacks and provided more than 421,000 overnight stays since Harvey hit. Sloan said that a cost breakdown for these services was not currently available. A recent ProPublica investigation called the Red Cross’s role in Harvey disaster relief into question and uncovered records of local officials in several counties complaining that the organization did not provide promised support or help.
REBUILD TEXAS FUND: $70.7 MILLION
A spokeswoman said the organization would be announcing the first round of recipients soon.
J.J. WATT FOUNDATION’S HARVEY RELIEF FUND: $27 MILLION
The Houston Texans player smashed an initial fundraising goal of $200,000. The foundation did not respond to a media inquiry asking how much of the money has been spent.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 12 | 2007
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national
U.S.briefs
Trump may use executive action to kill Obamacare Defender News Services
President Donald Trump has already done a lot to sabotage the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), whether it’s slashing the program’s advertising budget or threatening to cut off some payments that insurers need to cover their costs. Now Trump is thinking about using his executive authority to do something that could be even more damaging to the law ― and, arguably, more threatening to people who depend on it for coverage. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump is likely to instruct three key agencies to rewrite a series of regulations that affect health insurance. Some of the details were still in flux sources familiar with the proposal said. The ultimate goal of these efforts would be to accomplish through executive action what Trump and the Republican Congress have been unable to pull off through legislation. Specifically, they would undermine the rules that guarantee comprehensive coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Just how far the administration can take the effort is not clear. The laws that govern health care include not just the ACA, but also a 1974 law that affects insurance plans for large employers. Together, the laws limit leeway the executive branch has when it comes to redrawing the restrictions on how insurance
companies operate. Few experts doubt that the Trump administration has some latitude, and that it’s probably enough to weaken at least some of the new rules that the ACA has put in place. In the worst-case scenario, Trump’s executive action could destabilize insurance markets, making coverage much more expensive or even unavailable to some small businesses and individuals, especially those with serious medical problems, even as it would make coverage cheaper for others in relatively good health. For all of the ACA’s real problems – and the genuine frustration many people feel with it – the Republican proposals proved to be highly unpopular and aroused intense grassroots opposition. One question is whether the new orders provoke a similar reaction, or whether, because they are going through the regulatory process rather than Congress, they end up escaping public outrage.
Healthcare Enrollment Nov. 1 - Dec. 15
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS TERMINATING President Obama’s climate plan. Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said he will sign a new rule overriding the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era effort to limit carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Pruitt said getting rid of the plan will mark the culmination of a long fight he began as the attorney general of Oklahoma. Pruitt was among about two dozen attorney generals who sued to stop Obama’s push to limit carbon emissions…….A BLACK LAS VEGAS POLICE OFFICER was among the 59 people killed when a gunman took aim at thousands of people watching a concert at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Vegas. Charleston Hartfield, who was not on duty at the time of the shooting, was remembered by friends as “one of the nicest guys ever.” The 34-yearold Hartfield was also a youth football coach of a team called the Henderson Cowboys. The gunman, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, fired at concert-goers through the smashed windows of his 32nd-floor Mandalay Bay hotel suite. The tragedy was the worst mass shooting in American history and renewed the gun control debate. Paddock committed suicide……..THREE HUNG JURIES IN THE CASE OF A WHITE former Oklahoma police officer charged with fatally shooting his daughter’s Black boyfriend had one thing in common besides unwillingness to convict: each had only one African-American juror. Race has been an undercurrent in ex-Tulsa officer Shannon Kepler’s first-degree murder case, which is headed for a fourth trial. Kepler, a 24-year veteran of the force, was off duty in August 2014 when he fatally shot 19-year-old Jeremey Lake, who had just started dating Kepler’s daughter. Kepler doesn’t deny pulling the trigger but said he did so only because he thought Lake was armed. No weapon was found on or near Lake’s body.
Blacks outraged over Utah police shooting Defender News Services
Black Lives Matters demonstrators continue to protest outside police headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT after a prosecutor’s decision not to file charges against a police officer who fatally shot a Black man. Videos of the incident appeared to show that Patrick Harmon, 50, was shot as he ran away from officers who were trying to arrest him. Lex Scott, an organizer with Black Lives Matter in Utah, said that the community wants Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill to resign. The Harmon family is “shell shocked,” Scott said, according to
the Associated Press. “You can’t watch that video and not realize it is a clear case of murder,” Scott said. “It is one of the clearest cases of murder we’ve ever seen.” Gill said that the shooting was justified because slow-motion video of the incident shows that Harmon turned toward police with a knife with the blade out. A knife was found at the scene, the district attorney said. According to the district attorney’s report, Officer Clinton Fox said that Harmon yelled at police that he would “stab you,” but that is not audible on the body cam video.
VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 49 OCTOBER 12, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila
Patrick Harmon
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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OCTOBER 12 | 2017 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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Festival brings book lovers, authors together Defender Exclusive
Book lovers across the city will be in literary heaven as the 10th annual National Black Book Festival (NBBF) returns to Houston Oct. 26-28. Sponsored by Cushcity.com, the world’s largest African-American online retailer, the event attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide. The three-day event will feature dozens of African-American authors from around the country reading from their works in the genres of business, fiction, self-help, poetry, sci-fi, faith Willie Richardson and Gwen Richardson and romance. Attendees will have a chance to interact with their favorite writers through Q&A sessions, autograph opportunities and speaking engagements. Cultural exhibits, seminars, educational booths, book club meet and greets, poetry slams and live musical performances are among the additional attractions, and there are opening receptions, networking breakfasts and power lunches to feed both the body and the mind. The Defender talked with organizer Gwen Richardson about the event. Victoria Christopher Murray Donna Hill Mathew Knowles Defender: Why did you decide to start the National Black Book Festival? Gwen Richardson: My husband, Willie, and I already had a bookstore and website, Cushcity.com, which focused on African-American literature, as well as communication with thousands of African-American authors across the country. We thought it would be a good idea to bring dozens of authors to Houston every year and showcase African-American literature. Defender: What do you hope GregAlan Williams ReShonda Tate Billingsley Brian Smith readers get from the event? Richardson: We hope readers meet Richardson: With the book industry changauthors they otherwise would never know, gain ing, making it possible for the average person to access to their work, and purchase their books. self-publish a book, there are thousands of new Defender: You showcase a lot of new aubooks published every year. Many of them are thors. Why is that something that’s important to published by first-time authors who don’t get you? exposure or information about the industry. The
National Black Book Festival provides the opportunity for them to sell their books, learn and network. Defender: How have you seen the literary landscape change over the years? Richardson: There are many changes to the industry over the nearly 20 years since we started Cushcity.com. Digital books are one obvious development, but we’ve also seen some of the power shift away from the large publishing houses. Authors with the ability to self-publish have more control over the process, keep more of their royalties, and have direct access to readers. Defender: What are your plans to keep up with the changing times? Richardson: We always have our ears to the ground to know which way the literary winds are blowing. Social media allows us to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry. We have more than 80,000 fans on Facebook and are engaged with them daily promoting AfricanAmerican literature and learning about their interests. We listen to the people. That’s how we’ve been able to stay around where others have folded their tents.
National Bla Book Festiv ck al • FREE
• Oct. 26-2 8, • Fallbrook 2017 C Walters Ro hurch, 12512 ad, Houston 77014 • Exhibit Ho u 27, 10 a.m.- rs: Friday, Oct. 7 p.m.; Satu rd Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ay, • www.nati on festival.com alblackbookfor info and author app earance tim es
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 12 | 2017
SEGREGATED SCHOOLS RETUR
If you don’t reach out for another child now, that same child might be knocking on your door years from now, coming to date your daughter or rob your house, and what are you going to do ISD schools, like most public then?” asked Omorogbe. schools nationally, are rapidly Bryant and Norma Thomas, former Booker growing more segregated each T. Washington High School Teacher of the year, reflecting a return to days Year, and founder of her own school, the NT prior to the historic Brown v. Conservatory, provided more specifics regarding Board of Education ruling. actions that can improve Black student That 1954 Supreme Court decision began the outcomes in light of increased segregation. dismantling of the dual system of education— “There must be a greater time on task one for whites and another for Blacks—but has investment for students, especially those not come close to ending segregation which has from educationally-poor come back with a vengeance, backgrounds—homes and especially in the last two decades communities where children . But while some are asking typically have far less how does this re-emergence of educational experiences and segregation disadvantage Black exposures to museums, parks, and Brown students, others are world travel, new ideas and looking for potential positives career possibilities due to lack that can lead to improved of income, employment or educational outcomes. education of parents,” Bryant “Black children during said, stressing that educationally [pre-1960s] segregation outpoor doesn’t equate to a lack of performed today’s students intellectual abilities. because we had teachers who “Where teachers are cared, who impressed upon Faye Bryant committed to providing students us that without an education with more time on task, students there’s no future,” said Ifueko are improving and growing Omorogbe, director of field intellectually,” said Bryant. education for Texas Southern Bryant asserted that schools University’s Social Work weren’t set up to successfully department. educate Black children by Faye Bryant, legendary themselves, urging parents to retired HISD teacher and become more invested in their former deputy superintendent, child’s education. She suggested concurred. that a parent helping their child “We had community: do homework as one way of parents, teachers, churches all staying aware of what’s going on involved in our education.” at their child’s school. She also Dr. Alton Smith, a Lone Star Dr Alton Smith suggested making sure their child College System Board of Trustee receives additional outside help member, however, disagrees with (i.e. tutors) if needed. the premise that Black students “All parents aren’t aware in the past had better educational or know how to help their kids, outcomes. but someone in the community “I’m 71, and grew up in does. Find that person. Tap into Louisiana where we had no community centers, churches, mandatory attendance,” said fraternities and sororities and Smith. “Back then, students got other organizations,” said Bryant. kicked out of schools for being Bryant placed some dumb. Some were expelled for responsibility on school life. This weeded out a bunch administrators, as well. of poorer performing students, “When schools do things which would skew any findings.” Ifueko Omorogbe to move off the low-performing Smith added there was no assessment list, they too often go back on. We must find testing then to compare with student ways to make learning stick. Often, there are performance now. highly successful schools that work with the Still, Smith agrees with Bryant and same populations that attend low-performing Omorogbe regarding what is needed today to schools. We have to ask, ‘What are kids and improve Black student educational outcomes, teachers at Booker T. Washington doing to be including an all-hands-on-deck approach. successful that’s not happening at Kashmere or “We each need to be our brother’s keeper.
By ASWAD WALKER Defender
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Wheatley?’” Smith concurred, naming nationally ranked Carver High School in Acres Homes and Victory Early College as examples. Last year, on the day of the 62nd anniversary of Brown v. Board, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) released data showing that poor, Black and Latino children are becoming increasingly segregated from economically advantaged white students. Data showed that the number of high-poverty schools serving primarily Black and Brown students more than doubled between 2001 and 2014.
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RN Will Black students benefit? Most Segregated Schools in HISD: w Elementary Schools TSU Charter Lab School – 96.2% Kandy Stripe Academy – 96 % Codwell Elementary – 93 % Lockhart Elementary – 92.3 % Victory Prep K-8 Academy – 92 % Foster Elementary – 91.3 % w Middle Schools Victory Prep K-8 – 92% Victory Prep Academy North – 89.2% Woodson PK-8 – 88% Cullen – 83% Attucks – 76% w High Schools Victory Prep Academy North – 89.2% Yates – 88.7% Worthing – 79% Harper Alternative School – 69% South Early College HS – 64.5% North Forest – 64% Kashmere – 63.7% High School Ahead Academy – 59% Booker T. Washington– 54% Sterling – 53.3%
right to meet with the principal. Thomas is less “Ask the principal, ‘What’s your vision for our school, your concerned with this Why are Black schools failing? plan of action, your assessment of the school’s strengths and trend, however, www.DefenderNetwork.com how can we make sure this school stays alive and vibrant?’ than with what And if you don’t like the answers, present them to the PTA Black principals and and ask, ‘What are we going to do about it?’” parents are or aren’t Thomas also stressed parents become surrogate parents—a voice for students doing to make things work. whose parents aren’t parenting; and have a healthy distrust that principals and teachers “If you’re going to be in the system, you are always going to do the right thing. have to be present and make your voice heard. This means showing up to the Educational icon and national NAACP leader Howard Jefferson suggests taking PTA/PTO meetings, asking questions and participating.” action outside the schools, as well. Thomas recommended volunteering at your child’s school on off days, “We must hold school board members accountable,” said Jefferson. “It’s not and talking with their teachers regularly, not waiting for open house. enough to vote them in. Historically, so many of the attacks on Black schools were “One suggestion for upping teacher communication is to become tech done with little or no opposition from Black school board members. I think the ones savvy and use Class Dojo, the technology schools set up for daily teacherwe have now are on the job, but we must still hold them accountable for looking out parent communication. You can literally ask questions every day.” for the best interests of our children.” Thomas also stressed parents recognize that as tax payers they have a
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 12 | 2017 defendernetwork.com
health
A Defender and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Alliance
Reconstruction helps women heal By Jamal Bullocks, M.D.
O
ctober is an important month in the fight against breast cancer. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Oct. 18 is Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day. Breast reconstruction can be a powerful rehabilitative Jamal Bullocks, M.D., F.AC.S. tool for women who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer. Unfortunately, many women eligible for breast reconstruction following cancer surgery aren’t being informed of their options. Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among African-American women. The good news is with early detection and treatment, many survive. If you are a woman with breast cancer and have been told you may need mastectomy, breast reconstruction is an important option that you should discuss with your doctor. Not every woman wants breast reconstruction. It’s a personal decision to make after a discussion
with your doctor. The decision should be carefully weighed. Although reconstruction can help a woman feel whole again, it’s not a simple process
Immediate versus delayed Breast reconstruction takes place during or after mastectomy and, in some cases, lumpectomy. During reconstruction, a plastic surgeon creates a breast shape using an implant, tissue from another place on your body, or both. Timing of reconstructive surgery is based on the patient’s preferences, medical conditions and cancer treatment. For many, immediate reconstruction – performed during the mastectomy surgery – may offer better aesthetic outcomes as well as reduce the expense and discomfort of two major operations. It is also possible to do breast reconstruction long after a mastectomy. If chemotherapy or radiation treatments have already begun, reconstruction may need to be postponed until those treatments are completed.
Types of reconstruction Breast implants – silicone or saline – are a commonly chosen option. Another, the DIEP (deep
inferior epigastric perforator) flap surgery, an advanced microsurgical technique, is an improvement on the older TRAM flap procedure. TRAM flap surgery involves transferring some muscle from the abdomen, which can sometimes lead to abdominal wall weakness, bulges or hernias. The DIEP flap surgery avoids this by using abdominal skin and fat – not muscle – to help restore a natural, warm, soft breast after mastectomy. Breast reconstruction that uses the patient’s own tissue is popular because the consistency of the abdominal tissue is very similar to natural breast tissue. Women who undergo DIEP flap reconstruction may also benefit from improved abdominal contouring, much like a “tummy tuck.”
Consider all options before deciding There are many other options that restore the breast after mastectomy. A consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary to assess what’s best for you. Dr. Bullocks is a board-certified breast reconstructive and plastic surgeon at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Main Campus. To schedule a consultation, call 713-442-1122. Visit kelsey-seybold.com/bullocks to learn more.
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Locations close to home and work. Choose the location most convenient for you at kelsey-seybold.com/locations.
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More Black women dying from breast cancer Defender News Services
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a recent study has good news and bad news. Breast cancer death rates are improving for women overall. Unfortunately, there’s a major gap in mortality between Black and white women. The American Cancer Society is behind the study, which found that breast cancer death rates declined 39 percent between 1989 and 2015. As of 2015, white women have a 39 percent greater chance of surviving the disease than Black women. That racial disparity emerged in the early ’80s, widened through 2015 and has remained steady since, the report said. Native American, Latina and Asian women have lower rates of breast cancer and death from breast cancer than white women. Experts said that biological differences in breast cancer tumors, along with health care policy, keep the gap wide. Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that’s harder to treat. Tamoxifen, a drug that’s hugely responsible for the overall improvement in death rates, treats another type of breast cancer, called hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, that Black women are less likely to get. Unequal access to preventive screenings
and treatment is another reason for the difference in death rates between Black and white women. Black women get mammograms slightly more often than white women nowadays, but they had lower screening rates in the past, which “may be one possible reason for the difference in survival rates today,” according to the Susan G. Komen website. Access to follow-up care can also differ among the races, they add. Less access to screening means Black women might wait longer between mammograms, be diagnosed late or be unable to follow up altogether when a mammogram comes back abnormal, said Beth Glenn, associate director for the UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity. For Black women who live in poverty, clinics might be too far away. “Things like transportation for cancer treatment can be a barrier, particularly for women who need radiation therapy, a treatment that needs to be given daily, and who cannot get that time off from work,” said Christine Ambrosone, a cancer prevention chair at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Targeted investments in breast cancer programs could go a long way to helping patients get the care they need, as well as programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, a government program that helps low-income women get access to screenings. Huffington Post contributed to this report.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 12 | 2017
sports
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UH Cougar Ed Oliver most dominant defender By MAX EDISON Defender
Ed Oliver
The nation’s most dominant collegiate defensive lineman resides right here in Houston. The University of Houston Cougars’ Ed Oliver (6-feet-3, 290 pounds), a sophomore defensive tackle, has been a one man wrecking crew again this season. UH has gained a national reputation for an explosive offense, yet Oliver and his defensive mates have proven defense can be sexy too. As a high school All-American from Aldine Westfield, Oliver was rated as the No. 1 interior defensive lineman in the country coming out of high school. Many were shocked when he spurned more established programs and opted to attend UH where his brother Marcus was an outstanding offensive lineman. Recruiters’ doubts that he would achieve national attention as a Cougar continue to motivate Oliver. “It’s just another chip on my shoulder,” Oliver said. “It’s another reason why I go out there and play the way that I do. I was out on the practice field and remembered when I was told I wouldn’t make anything of myself if I played for Houston, and now look at what I’ve accomplished.” Oliver was first team All-American on seven different teams as a true freshman and led all returning defensive linemen nationally with 23 tackles for loss in 2016. He finished second nationally among all positions in tackles for loss last season while leading all defensive linemen nationally with nine pass breakups. He was the American Conference Rookie of the Year, the Scout’s Freshman of the Year and the winner of the 2016 Bill Willis Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive lineman by the Touchdown Club of Columbus. You get the picture. Oliver is aware that after only one year in the college game, he has quickly earned the reputation of being the leading defensive lineman. He shrugs off the title and his philosophy is simple. “What other people say doesn’t excite me,” he said. “What excites me is hitting and tackling people. I just want to go out there and give it everything I have. “I’m not the type of
Oliver continues to shine on the field as a sophomore defensive lineman.
Ed Oliver game – 11 tackles, a forced fumble and 1.5 TFLs (tackles guy to focus on what awards and recognitions I’ve for loss). received,” Oliver continued. “As long as I get to Oliver leads all defensive linemen nationally with an average play football when it’s time to play football, I’m of 11 tackles per game. For his efforts against Arizona, Oliver was content.” named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the N.D. Kalu, a sports talk show host with a Week. resume that boasts 12 years as an NFL defensive On a somber note for Cougar opponents, Oliver feels he’s end, has been impressed with what he’s sseen of the grown from his freshman season to his sophomore campaign. Cougars’ talented sophomore. Hill and co-anchor Michael “From last year, my knowledge of the game has increased,” “What makes Ed Oliver so special is Smith host ESPN’s “SC6,” he said. “Every year the game not just his also called “The Six.” gets slower and slower to me, so God-given I’m able to see a lot more during physical ESPN anchor Jemele Hill suspended two each play. It just comes with the attributes, weeks for more tweets experience.” but the While the Houston offense passion he has struggled at times this season, puts forth to Oliver and the Cougar defense have carried the team to a 4-1 display them,” said Kalu, a former Houston record, 2-0 in conference play. Oliver has high expectations. Texan who played college ball at Rice Uni“This defense should be better than last year,” he said. “At versity. “He makes plays all over field. He’s every level of defense, we’ve gained more experience from last the most dominant interior defensive lineman year to this year. I would say this is a veteran [unit], and we should in the country.” be better this year. To prove that his freshman season was “It doesn’t start with me,” Oliver said. “It starts with the three no aberration, Oliver recorded his 24th career guys up front. When we do our job, the linebackers are able to do tackle for loss on UH’s first defensive play their job, and the defensive backs are able to do their job. We of the game in their season opener with are going to be solid this year.” Arizona. He went on to have a typically
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h.s.zone Westbury High School capitalizes on big plays By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
The Westbury Huskies have big-play capabilities. In a 28-14 victory over Chavez at Barnett Stadium, all four Westbury touchdowns were scored from better than 35 yards out. Trailing 6-0 with a little more than seven minutes remaining in the first quarter, Diop Dorsey took the ensuing kickoff and burst through a wave of defenders to even the score with a 60-yard sprint to the end zone. Luis Gonzalez kicked the first of his four extra points in the contest to give the Huskies a lead (7-6) they would Westbury football coach Greg Wilson with receiver Justin Hines (left) and quarterback Oshea never relinquish . Clement. The warp-speed score stands the things we’re trying to accomplish as an jump-started the Westbury offense. With less than offense.” 60 seconds remaining in the opening quarter WestHines finished the game with four receptions bury quarterback Oshea Clement found a seam up for 163 yards and two touchdowns. the middle of the field and raced to a 35-yard TD “Justin has big-play ability. He can take a run. five-yard pass and turn it into an 85-yard score,” Following a scoreless second frame Westbury Wilson said. “He’s a threat from anywhere on the took a 14-6 advantage into intermission. field.” Westbury secured its first victory of the season Westbury remains in the hunt for one of four and evened its District 18-6A ledger at 1-1 with playoff berths in District 18-6A. The district two long scoring plays in the third quarter. includes defending champion Lamar, Heights, BelJustin Hines hauled in an 80-yard touchdown laire, Chavez, Sam Houston and Westside. pass from Clement at the 9:51 mark. The same duo The Huskies will face Heights, Sam Houston combined on a 57-yard scoring connection with and Bellaire in the next three weeks while trying 4:21 left in the third stanza. to remain in postseason consideration. “We stepped up and made big plays,” said Clement is settling into a new position after Westbury head coach Greg Wilson. “Each week playing defensive back and running back in the we’re getting a lot better. These guys are buying past. into the things it takes to be a successful program. “It’s a big task and I’m still learning the “It’s showing on the field. Those plays are position,” he said. “My toughness is my biggest just a byproduct of their hard work throughout the strength and my o-line did a great job for us. Withweek,” Wilson said. “We’re benefitting from film out them we couldn’t do anything.” study. The kids are taking the time to learn what it Hines is gaining confidence coming off his is we need to do in order to exploit our opponents’ best game of the season. weaknesses.” “I was just trying to get open and be smart Clement generated just under 300 yards total with what I wanted to accomplish,” he said. “Your offense (292) with 70 rushing yards on 10 carries mindset has to be focused on what you want to do. and 222 passing yards on 9-of-15 passing with no “We are student-athletes but we’re students interceptions. first,” Hines said. “We “His versatility is a have to go hard in the key. He’s played every classroom and keep the Find out which area school cracked the position on the football grades up. Then we can go 6A state top 10 HS football poll field and he’s smart,” hard on the field.” Wilson said. “He under-
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sportsbriefs Jones lays down law Word out of Arlington is that Cowboy owner and President Trump supporter Jerry Jones has laid down the law. Jones said that his players will stand for the national anthem and respect the flag or they will not play. “If there’s anything that is disrespectful to the flag, then we will not play,” Jones said following the Cowboys’ 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers. “Understand? We will not ... if we are disrespecting the flag, then we will not play. Period.” Jones remarks were made after Vice President Mike Pence left a football game between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers because some players knelt during the national anthem, saying he did not want to “dignify” the demonstration. Jones is the first NFL owner to publicly make a stand about disciplining players who kneel during the anthem.
Falling stars in NFL Two of the NFL’s biggest stars suffered seasonending injuries on the same weekend. Locally, Texans’ Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the season. In addition, linebacker Whitney Mercilus suffered a torn pectoral muscle and will miss the rest of the season following surgery. On offense, New York Giants superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a fractured left ankle in the Giants loss to the L.A. Chargers. Beckham is expected to undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season.
Heights unleashes Green Bellaire had no answer for Heights four-star, two-way standout Jalen Green in a key District 18-6A contest at Delmar Stadium. Green had scoring runs of 26, 21 and two yards in the first half and caught a 34-yard TD pass from quarterback Mark Castro in the fourth quarter to propel Heights past Bellaire 31-12. The Bulldogs were so excited after avenging last years’ 14-11 loss to the Cardinals that they gave head coach Stephen Dixon an ice water bath. “This win means a lot to us and it’s monumental for our program in terms of where we’re trying to go,” Dixon said. “We want to get into a situation where maybe we can overtake Lamar this year.” Heights improved to 4-0 on the season and 2-0 in District 18-6A. Bellaire fell to 2-2 and 1-1. Heights safety Erick Hubert led the Bulldogs’ defensive effort with two interceptions and added an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Yates rallies behind new QB A large Yates homecoming crowd had little to cheer for in the first half of a district showdown with long-time rival Wheatley. Trailing 6-0 at halftime, Yates head coach Michael Watkins inserted sophomore Keyshawn Fields at quarterback and the move paid immediate dividends. Fields engineered three consecutive scoring drives to start the second half and finished two with one-yard scoring runs to keep Yates unbeaten at 4-0 with a 22-6 win. Reginald Bryant added 145 rushing yards on 20 carries, including a 20-yard TD run. Shamar Ridley anchored the Yates defense with an interception and a fumble recovery.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 12 | 2017
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
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HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF HOPE CONCERT……..The Windsor Village with Misha McClure (Comcast) worked with Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers United Methodist Church Family hosted a Hurricane Harvey Relief Hope Concert featuring volunteers and HCC STEM faculty who tutored and supported participants during the some of the top names in gospel music for a fundraiser to support #beyondtheflood day’s activities. Attendees included Adrienne Sanchez, Claudia Unietis, Nila Williams, efforts to bridge the gap for families in need of immediate post-Harvey assistance. Held Manuel Rodriguez, Melvin Barios-Soto, Katie Thibodeaux, Narges DeBarry, Britney at the Kingdom Builders’ Center, the event offered performances by JJ Hairston, Kathy Hopkins, Esmeralda Jimenez, and hundreds more.……..COOKING WITH A TWIST Taylor, Brian Courtney Wilson, Kurt Carr and many FEATURING CARLA HALL….. Chef Dee Dee Coleman’s others. Ray Bady and Marcus D. Wiley served as MCs, who Cooking With a Twist played host to friend and celebrity Chef Carla Defender TOP EVENTS along with Pastors Kirbyjon Caldwell and Suzette Caldwell Hall of ABC’s “The Chew” who conducted cooking classes for lucky More photos on defendernetwork.com welcomed attendees Genevieve Hubbard, Brenda Lawrence, participants who were enriched by Hall’s expertise and entertained by Lonnie Locks, Patricia Jones, Carter Rose, Pastor Lataya her non-stop sense of humor. Coleman reached out to her mentor for Simpson and many others……..COMCAST TECHPAK…….Comcast teamed with advice on how to restore her business post-Harvey, and was pleasantly surprised when Hall the Houston Hispanic Forum (HHF) to host Comcast Techpak, an all-day affair held at said she’d fly down to Houston to conduct classes to help out. And help it did, according to Houston Community College West Loop Campus that engaged K-12 students in critical attendees including Geanine Watty, Toni Tucker, Christine Cockrell, Donald Freeman, thinking, creativity and problem-solving while enjoying Lego engineering, app coding, Mary Thompson, Angela Baldon, Jayla Sanders, Delphine Baldon, Deja Owens, drone operations classes and competitions. HHF interim director Sineria Ordoñez, along Lacey Dokes, Ana Lee and others.
Pastors Kirbyjon Caldwell and Suzette Caldwell
Kathy Taylor
Jaiden Carrier, Justen Carrier, Karrington Anderson
Sineria Ordoñez, Claudia Unietis
Misha McClure, Laura Mayorga
Chef Dee Dee Coleman, Carla Hall, Yolanda Pope
Geanine Watty, Toni Tucker
London Gray, Chase Gray
George Grant, Meca Grant
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