Houston Defender: October 17, 2013

FORMER DETROIT MAYOR CONVICTED, SAYS CITY MUST MOVE ON P4

NATIONAL

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Volume 82 | Number 51

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NEWSTALK

Higher Ed Special

EARLY VOTING starts Oct. 21; bring ID

Preparing

minorities for college H

P2 OPINION

Page 6B

DR. BEN CARSON compares Obamacare to slavery

P9 CHAG’s PLACE OPINION

Mary J. Blige branches out

Mike Evans plays for A&M

Singer Mary J. Blige has produced eight multi-platinum albums, but her newest release is different from all the rest. What can her countless fans expect to hear this time? Why is she opening up to another popular artist? What does she have to say about life and love?

Texas A&M University wide receiver Mike Evans is one of the nation’s premier playmakers at his position.

Read about Evans’ impressive statistics. Discover what NFL player he admires. Hear what coach Kevin Sumlin and star quarterback Johnny Manziel have to say about him.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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newstalk

Early voting begins; photo ID required

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Defender News Services

arly voting in Harris County begins Monday, Oct. 21 at 40 area locations and ends Friday, Nov. 1. Voters will accept or reject various propositions, and elect mayors, city council members and school board trustees.

This election year, voters are required to show photo IDs to cast their ballots. In a controversial move, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 14, creating a new requirement for voters to show photo identification when voting in person.

Acceptable forms of photo ID are: • Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) • Texas election identification certificate issued by DPS • Texas personal identification card issued by DPS • Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS • United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph • United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph • United States passport For those who do not have photo IDS, election identification certificates (EICs) are available from DPS driver license offices during regular business hours, on Saturdays at select locations, and at EIC mobile stations traveling throughout the state.

To apply for an EIC, visit a driver license office and complete an Application for Texas Election Certificate.

To qualify for an EIC, you must: • Bring documentation to the office to verify your U.S. citizenship • Bring documentation to the office to verify your identity • Be eligible to vote in Texas (bring your valid voter registration card to the office, or submit a voter registration application through DPS) • Be a Texas resident • Be 17 years and 10 months or older An EIC is valid for six years. There is no expiration

date for certificates issued to citizens 70 years of age or older.

EICs may only be used to vote and do not replace a Texas driver’s license or ID card. In addition, an EIC will not be accepted to verify identify when applying for a Texas driver license or ID card.

If a voter does not have proper identification, the voter will still be permitted to vote provisionally.

The voter will have six days to present proper identification to the county voter registrar, or the voter’s ballot will be rejected.

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

In addition, the applicant must state that he or she has no valid form of photo identification. Those who obtain a disability exemption will be allowed to vote by presenting a voter registration certificate reflecting the exemption.

For more information, including a list of early voting locations, call 713-755-6965 or visit harrisvotes.org.

For information on election identification certificates visit txdps.state.tx.us.

localbriefs A GROUP OF FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES recently gathered outside Johnson Space Center to protest the federal government shutdown. The protestors carried signs that read “Splashdown not shutdown” and “No more furloughs.” The American Federation of Government Employees organized the protest. Only 100 out of 3,100 JSC employees have been deemed “essential” and are still working……..

TEXAS COUNTY JAILS spent more than $156 million to house undocumented immigrants with federal detainers between October 2011 and September 2013 according to state data. The Harris County jail, one of the largest in the nation, housed more than 30,000 undocumented immigrants at a cost of

nearly $50 million……..VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE will benefit from a special program.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Crime Stoppers to collect used cell phones and accessories during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Proceeds from the recycling will be used to purchase prepaid phones for victims of domestic violence. Unwanted cell phones and accessories can be dropped off at seven sheriff’s office locations: 1200 Baker St., 701 N. San Jacinto, 7614 Fallbrook Dr., 17117 Cali Dr., 5202 Aldine Mail Rt., 19818 Franz Rd. in Katy, and 7043 Hwy. 6 South. For more information visit iWatchHarrisCounty.com… …..A NEW HOUSING COMMUNITY for home-

less men recovering from drug and alcohol abuse recently opened at 1104 Alabama St. The $8 million community will provide housing for 128 residents as well as supportive services, including non-medical detox, counseling programs, meals, job training and educational services. Major financing was provided by the City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department, Harris County, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas……... A GROUNDREAKING CEREMONY for historic Emancipation Park takes place Saturday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m. at the park, 3019 Dowling. Renovations to the park are scheduled to begin this month. For information visit emancipationusa.com.

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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PVAMU celebrates homecoming Prairie View A&M University continues to celebrate homecoming with a full slate of events.

The yearly observance brings together students, faculty, staff and alumni to celebrate the traditions of the university.

This year’s theme is “The Gold Standard.”

On Friday, Oct. 18, a Stage Breakers Step Show takes place at 8 p.m. at the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building.

Greek fraternities and sororities will captivate the crowd with signature moves and steps. Comedian Billy Sorrells will host the event. Admission is $15 online and $20 at the door PV’s homecoming parade is Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9:15 a.m. on University Drive to L.W. Minor St. Dr. George C. Wright, who is celebrating his 10th year as university president, will serve as the grand marshal. Area bands, floats and participants will roll through campus and downtown Prairie View.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the PV Panthers will take on the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils at Blackshear Stadium.

A homecoming concert is at 8 p.m. at the Nicks Building.

Hip-hop artist Juicy J and R&B artist Elle Varner will perform.

Tickets range from $15 to $25. For more information visit pvamu.edu/homecoming2013.

Chancellor search underway Defender News Services

Houston Community College is in the process of choosing its next chancellor. Open public forums will be held at six colleges to provide information about the search process and to solicit input from the community The forums will also provide the opportunity to obtain input concerning the short and long-term priorities for the college and the ideal characteristics of the new chancellor.

Information obtained will form the foundation for the development of the chancellor profile, which will be used by candidates to apply for the position and by the Chancellor Search Advisory Committee members to evaluate application materials.

The forums are scheduled as follows: Wednesday, Oct. 23 • Coleman College, Auditorium, 1900 Pressler Street, 7:30 a.m.

• Central College, Learning HUB Science Building, 1300 Holman, Room 100, 3 p.m.

• Northeast College, Pinemont Center, 1265 Pinemont, Room 170, 6 p.m.

Thursday, October 24, 2013 • Southeast College, Learning HUB, 6815 Rustic St., 8 a.m.

• Northwest-Spring Branch, Commons Area, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N., noon • Southwest College, West Loop Auditorium, 5601 West Loop South, 6 p.m.

For more information about the search and the forums, visit hccs.edu.

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Apply today at macysinc.com/workshop PICTURED: Kim Roxie, LAMIK Beauty. Past participant of The Workshop at Macy’s.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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national

U.S. increases surveillance of citizens

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By FREDDIE ALLEN NNPA Washington Correspondent

ollowing the terrorist attack of Sept.11, 2001, the United States government ramped up a massive data collection campaign that effectively claimed privacy rights have become another casualty of the war on terror.

A new report from the Brennan Center, a nonpartisan think tank and public interest law firm at New York University School of Law, details the government’s enormous data collection and storage efforts fueled by the fear of another Sept. 11.

According to the report, the U.S. government can collect your public Facebook posts and tweets, all non-deleted and non-encrypted information from your computer, telephone, or iPad, your e-mails, where you travel, who you meet with, your credit history and your driving record.

Every 30 days the National Security Agency stores 41 billion communications records through its XKEYSCORE program that tracks a wide range of Internet activity and e-mails. Through the program, some data with no connections to terrorism can be saved for more 75 years.

“One of the things that comes up often is that there was too much information in the system and that really did hinder accurate analysis,” said Rachel Levinson-Waldman the author of the Brennan Center report, titled “What the Government Does With Americans’ Data.”

The report stated, “The failure of the intelligence community to intercept the so-called ‘underwear bomber’ – the suicide bomber who nearly brought down a plane to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 – was blamed in significant part not

on insufficient information but on an overabundance of data.”

Levinson-Wardman said democracy works best when there is a lot of information flowing from the government to the people and, by and large, that pattern has been reversed. “There’s a lot of information flowing from us and there is very little transparency in reverse,” she said.

The government’s surveillance powers have grown under the Obama administration, even as experts warn that the current approach to data collection clogs the system making it harder to find the real terrorists. Some experts warn that a billion “false alarms” could be generated from the administration’s current levels of data collection.

In 2012, the National Counterterrorism Center [NCTC] received a new mandate that allowed for increased collection of American data that had no current link to terrorism – “a ten-fold increase from the

previous limit,” according to the Brennan Center.

When the National Security Agency was audited in 2012, investigators found that the organization had violated privacy rights of thousands of Americans that ultimately led to zero terrorism plots.

“NSA analysts have also misused the agency’s surveillance systems to spy on spouses or romantic interests,” stated the Brennan Center report. Even though the NSA vowed to comply with all privacy laws, experts say that the violations highlight the need for greater transparency and independent oversight of the surveillance programs.

The Brennan Center report outlined a number of recommendations including making sure that the data set has a “publicly available policy” to increase transparency of the programs, that government agencies “require reasonable suspicion of criminal activity to retain or share information about Americans for law enforcement or intelligence purposes,” and “Reform the Privacy Act to better protect against the longterm retention and broad sharing of innocuous, sensitive personal information, and institute oversight mechanisms.”

Convicted former mayor wants city to move on Defender News Services

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was recently sentenced to 28 years in prison, said it’s time for the city to begin healing.

“I want the city to prosper,” he said. “I want the city to be great again. I want the city to have the same feeling it had in 2006 when the Super Bowl was here...when everybody felt like this was their town…I’m ready to go so the city can move on.”

Kilpatrick, once a rising political star, was convicted of 24 counts of racketeering, bribery, extortion, mail fraud and other charges related to activities while in office.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds, who

sentenced Kilpatrick, said she would recommend that he be sent to a prison in Texas where his family lives.

Kilpatrick and contractor Bobby Ferguson were accused of running a criminal enterprise out of City Hall. Prosecutors said their scheme resulted in more than $9 million in illegal profits to Ferguson’s company.

Current Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said he was glad “this negative chapter” in the city’s history came to an end.

“Although I certainly feel for the Kilpatrick family and the impact this sentence will have on them, public service requires a higher standard of ethics and accountability,” Bing said.

VOLUME 82 • NUMBER 51 OCTOBER 17, 2013 Publisher Print Editor Marilyn Marshall Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Art Director Advertising/Client Relations Tony Fernandez-Davila Selma Dodson Tyler People Editor Strategic Alliance Manager Yvette Chargois Clyde Jiles Sports Editors Multimedia Manager Max Edison Tiffany Williams Darrell K. Ardison Online Editor Contributing Writer ReShonda Billingsley 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).

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

TSU hosts annual President’s Gala Defender News Services

Texas Southern University will present awards to outstanding alumni and former students, community leaders and corporate and philanthropic partners at this year’s President’s Gala to be held during homecoming.

The annual event is Friday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Westin Galleria Hotel. Entertainment will be provided by the Howard Hewitt, Regina Belle and Chris Walker.

Alumni honorees include Dale Long, a Ricky Anderson College of Science and Technology graduate, recognized nationally for his work with Big Brothers and Big Sisters; Alice Mendoza, a College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduate who serves on the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, and Winfred Frazier, a Jesse H. Jones School of Business graduate and vice president at KTRKTV, Channel 13.

Other honorees are Ricky Anderson, a Thurgood Marshall School of Law graduate, and an attorney and Houston businessman; Perry Miller, a College of Science and Technology alumnus, who serves as general manager, Houston Airport System, William P. Hobby Airport; and Gerald Womack, from the College of Business, who serves as president of the Houston Black Realtors Association.

The Foundation award will be presented to Houston Endowment, and the Community Leaders award will be presented to Rev. Bill and Audrey Lawson. The Legacy Partner award will be presented to the Port Authority of Houston, TSU’s Media Trendsetter award will go to Keith Davis of D-Mars, and the Corporate award recipient is CenterPoint Energy.

For more information call 713-313-1363 or visit tsu.edu.

Winfred Frazier

Dale Long

Alice Mendoza

Perry Miller

Gerald Womack

Keith Davis Sr.

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Howard Hewitt Regina Belle Chris Walker

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013 defendernetwork.com

entertainment

Mary J. Blige

branches out with new album

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Defender News Services

he holidays have come early for Mary J. Blige. She recently released her first Christmas album titled “A Mary Christmas.”

It is the 11th studio album for Blige, who has produced eight multi-platinum albums and won nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. Her new album includes such classics as “Little Drummer Boy,” “Do You Hear What I Hear” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Blige said she isn’t trying to put a new spin on old favorites.

“My goal was to not completely restructure them, but to give you exactly what we love so much about it,” she told essence.com.

“I was definitely not trying to make hip-hop soul Christmas songs or some club music Christmas songs.

I’m just like everyone else; I don’t like when people take the nostalgia out of the classics. I didn’t want to mess up.

So I just gave you my version of the Christmas songs.”

Blige added that the best non-materialistic Christmas gift she ever received was reconnecting with her father.

“I hadn’t seen him for a long time,” she recalled.

“Our reconnecting was a surprise. I didn’t know he was going to be at this particular place and when I got there I got the chance to see my father after 27 years.”

Blige shared more details of her life during

a recent appearance on the “Queen Latifah Show.” She talked about her relationship with her husband of 10 years, Kendu Isaacs.

She said she was attracted to Isaacs because, “I didn’t sense any ‘fake’ or energy that was afraid of me; not afraid of me like he would hurt me in some way, but he wasn’t afraid to do what everybody else wouldn’t do which was tell me the truth and help me. “[He gave] me the info I needed so badly when I was dying from

alcohol. He came at the right time and he came when I was ready to change, right then.”

Blige also thanked Latifah for her friendship.

“You watched me grow,” Blige told her. “You were at one of my first shows…You came to my dressing room and [asked if] I was alright because I was always going through something.

You don’t understand how you acted as a guardian angel at that moment for me because I wasn’t alright.”

Blige, who is often called the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” was born in the Bronx, N.Y. Her musical influences included Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight.

At age 18 she signed with Uptown Records and became the label’s youngest and first female artist. Her gritty, urban-rooted style was showcased on her 1992 debut album, “What’s the 411?”

Two years later she released the album “My Life,” and at the time she was dealing with drug addiction, alcoholism and an abusive relationship.

Blige said she beat her addictions by embracing her Christian faith. She overcame her abusive relationship by learning to love herself.

“When you realize people are going to treat you the way you treat yourself, you begin to treat yourself better,” she said.

what’sup “Ironside,” NBC’s new cop drama starring BLAIR UNDERWOOD, has not been a hit with viewers. The remake about a wheelchair-bound detective debuted with low ratings, and some TV observers are already predicting it will be cancelled after its first season…….. THE O’JAYS are still going strong after more than 50 years in show business. In addition to performing on a regular basis, original members EDDIE LEVERT and WALTER WILLIAMS, and newest member ERIC NOLAN GRANT, will host their annual Celebrity Scholarship Foundation Weekend from Oct. 25-27 in Las Vegas. Special guests include STEVIE WONDER, MIKE EPPS, ZAPP, and MAGIC JOHNSON. The foundation has raised more than $1 million for educational advancement……..

Multi-talented entertainer PHARRELL WILLIAMS recently married his longtime girlfriend, model HELEN

LASICHANH. Celebrity guests USHER and BUSTA RHYMES performed a mini-concert. Instead of traditional wedding attire, the bridegroom wore a red tartan suit and the bride wore a blue and green plaid gown……..The OPRAH WINFREY Network will present programming focusing on being gay in America on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. “Oprah’s Next Chapter” leads off the night and will feature an in-depth conversation with gay celebrities such as comedienne WANDA SYKES. It is followed by the documentary “Bridegroom,” which chronicles the true story of a gay couple facing insurmountable obstacles……..

Comic actor CRAIG ROBINSON, best known for his role as Darryl on “The Office,” was detained for drug possession in the Bahamas and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Robinson was stopped as he tried to board a plane en route to the United States. Customs agents found a small

amount of marijuana and pills on Robinson, who pleaded guilty to two counts of drug possession……..The NAACP and the TV One network have signed a new multi-media five-year agreement. Under the contract, TV One becomes the home of the association’s awards show, beginning with the airing of the Image Awards in February. “TV One offers the resources and capabilities to reach audiences in today’s broad media universe, therefore advancing the message of promoting and protecting human and civil rights,” said Roslyn M. Brock, chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors……..THE HOUSTON EBONY OPERA GUILD sponsors its annual Opera Gems Concert on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby.

This year’s performance is titled “Opera in the Black: Heroes and Heroines of the African Diaspora.” For ticket information call 713-315-2400 or visit thehobbycenter.org.

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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Houstonian Johnson finds musical success

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By SENORA HARRIS Defender

n 1982, HBO aired “Earth, Wind & Fire: In Concert.” Dressed in metallic bellbottoms and sparkly vests, members of the legendary band belted out songs that have since become classics.

The show left a major impact on one of its young viewers. Houstonian Jelando Johnson, 13 at the time, was inspired to pursue a music career.

“I’d heard Earth, Wind & Fire before, but to see them bring [the music] to life like that, to see how the crowd went crazy behind it, it just lit up something in me,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘This is what I’m gonna do.’ ” Johnson, who plays the electric, upright and bass guitar, has made a name for himself as a musician. He has performed with such artists as Natalie Cole, Kirk Whalum, Hubert Laws, Ronnie Laws, Michael Henderson, Bobby Lyle, the Joe Sample Jazz Orchestra, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Patrice Rushen, Marian Meadows and the late George Duke.

Locally, he shares the stage with such performers as Kyle Turner, Michael Ward, Althea Rene, Horace Alexander-Young and the Da Camera Performing Arts Series.

Johnson is a graduate of Madison High School and Texas Southern University. He spent four years

as a member of the award-winning TSU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Howard Harris.

Although Johnson loves making all kinds of music, he has a special affinity for jazz “Jazz is freer and has more expression,” he said. “There is such beauty in it, through instrumental music and music without words. It gives you a chance to paint your own picture and gives you a chance to write your own story based on what you hear.”

Johnson has performed for audiences across the U.S. and around the globe. His travels have taken him to such places as Canada, the Caribbean and South Africa.

Johnson, who also composes his own music, recently released a single titled “Wings of an Eagle.” It can be heard on KTSU-FM and Jango Internet Radio, and downloaded through iTunes and Amazon.

After completing a 10-song project that he is currently working on, Johnson has “a lot of ideas floating around.” Among his many ideas are expanding his company, Jarah Enterprises, composing music for other mediums, and generating more mainstream success.

“I would love to have at least 10 projects long term,” he said. “I would also like to win a Grammy.

I also thought about establishing a foundation in order to make people more aware of jazz and more appreciative of music,” he said.

TEXANS NEED THE FACTS BEFORE HITTING THE POLLS. OVED E OF THESE APPR ON T EN ES PERSON: PR IN T TE US FACT IS, YOU M ENTIFICATION WHEN YOU VO O ID FORMS OF PHOT DPS-ISSUED

DRIVER LICENSE

CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE

PERSONAL ID CARD

U.S.-ISSUED

CITIZENSHIP CERTIFICATE

PASSPORT MILITARY ID

DON’T HAVE AN APPROVED ID? GET A TEXAS ELECTION IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE FREE AT YOUR LOCAL DPS

GET THE FACTS ABOUT THE PHOTO ID LAW AT

BROUGHT TO YOU BY TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN STEEN

With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. Voters who do not possess a form of approved photo identification may obtain a Texas Election ID Certificate from the Texas Department of Public Safety at no charge.

Guitarist Jelando Johnson has released a single titled “Wings of an Eagle.”

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

opinion

9

Dr. Ben Carson:

Gifted hands, foot in mouth

By GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA Columnist

D

r. Ben Carson became the darling of conservatives earlier this year by stridently attacking the Affordable Care Act with President Obama sitting just a few feet away. Carson, who was serving as the keynote speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast at the White House, said…

“Here’s my solution: When a person is born, give him a birth certificate, an electronic medical record, and a health savings account to which money can be contributed – pretax – from the time you’re born ’til the time you die.

“When you die, you can pass it on to your family members, so that when you’re 85 years old and you got six diseases, you’re not trying to spend up everything. You’re happy to pass it on and there’s nobody talking about death panels…,” Carson continued.

“And also, for the people who were indigent who don’t have any money we can make contributions to their HSA [health savings account] each month because we already have this huge pot of money. Instead of sending it to some bureaucracy, let’s put it in their HSAs. Now they have some control over their own health care.”

Predictably, the right wing rushed to embrace him. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and the crew at Fox News were ecstatic that a prominent Black neurosurgeon shared their world view. Jonah Goldberg, a columnist for the Right-wing National Review, compared Carson to racial apologist Booker T. Washington.

David Graham, writing in The Atlantic, called him Herman Cain without the “personal skeletons.” And the conservative Wall Street Journal ran an op-ed under the headline, “Ben Carson for President.”

Carson became a paid contributor to Fox News, was hired to write a weekly column for the Right-wing Washington Times, and became in demand as a speaker at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference and any national event

that attracts more than three conservatives.

Professionally, Carson is no dumb man. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his M.D. from the University of Michigan.

At the age of 33, he became director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the youngest major division director in the school’s history.

In 1987, he led a 70-member surgical ream that separated twins who had been joined at the back of the head. After the successful 22-hour surgery, Carson gained national recognition. His autobiography, “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,” was published in 1992.

The book recounts how his mother, Sonya, reared him and his older brother, Curtis, after she and her husband, Robert, divorced when Ben was 8 years old. In 2009, TNT released a television movie with the same title as his book, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. as Ben Carson. In 2008, George W. Bush presented Carson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Carson has made several controversial remarks after his appearance at the White House. In March, he said on Fox TV: “Marriage is between a man and a woman. No group, be they gays, be they NAMBLA [North American Man/Boy Love Association], be they people who believe in bestiality, it doesn’t matter what they are. They don’t get to change the definition.”

Under pressure, Carson withdrew as commencement speaker for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

He also apologized for “not the best choice of words,” called his critics racist, and then apologized again.

Of all of his outrageous comments, his latest one ranks among the most egregious.

Speaking at a Voter Values Summit, Carson said, “I have to tell you that Obamacare is, really, I think, the worst thing that’s happened to this nation since slavery. It was never about healthcare, it was about control.”

First, the Affordable Care Act does what its proper title implies – it makes health care affordable to millions of people, including the uninsured. If making insurance more affordable, not allowing insurance companies to reject people with pre-existing conditions and allowing children to remain on their parents’ insurance policies until they are 26 years old isn’t about healthcare, the esteemed neurosurgeon doesn’t know the definition of healthcare.

Second, any idiot knows that having access to healthcare is not worse than slavery.

Enslaved Africans had no rights, as the Supreme Court ruled in its 1857 Dred Scott decision, “which the white man was bound to respect.” They were brutalized, degraded, whipped, killed, and raped at the whim of the slave master. Marriage was not recognized and the slave codes in various states made it illegal to teach Blacks to read or write.

The Affordable Health Care Act is worse than that?

It’s a ridiculous comparison. At the rate he is going, Carson’s photograph will be slapped on boxes of rice. Dr. Ben will be more appropriately known as Uncle Ben.

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DEFENDER | WEEK OF OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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Gates presents PBS series on Black Americans

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By KAM WILLIAMS Special to the Defender

r. Henry Louis Gates Jr. is a professor and director of the Hutchins Center for African and AfricanAmerican Research at Harvard University. He is the author of 16 books, has made 12 documentaries, and is the editor-in-chief of The Root, a daily online magazine.

Here he talks about his new PBS series, “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,” and its companion book of the same name. The show airs Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from Oct. 22 through Nov. 26.

KW: What was the biggest challenge in covering 500 years of African-American history in a six-hour series?

HLG: The biggest challenge was deciding which stories to tell. In a one-hour documentary, you can tell maybe 10 stories. That’s how the documentary is structured. I wrote to 40 of the greatest historians of both African and AfricanAmerican history, and hired them as consultants.

I had them submit what they thought were the indispensable stories, the ones they felt this series absolutely had to include. And we got about a thousand different suggestions which we had to boil down to 70. So, my producers and I worked with these consultants and came up with 70 which

we think are exemplary of the larger arc of African-American history between 1513 and 2013. We covered half a millennium, and it’s amazing.

KW: What was your biggest surprise?

HLG: The biggest surprise for me, without a doubt, was that the first Black people who came to the United States weren’t the 20 who arrived in Jamestown in 1619. All of us had been taught that. Well, guess what? The first African came to Florida in 1513. And the huge shock is we know his name, Juan Garrido, and that he wasn’t a slave. He was free! This brother was a conquistador who came with Ponce de Leon. He was looking for the Fountain of Youth just like the white people were…

KW: If you were giving advice to a high school senior with equal ability in the arts and sciences, which field of study would you encourage the student to pursue in college?

HLG: …The one that keeps you going no matter what, even if your life is falling apart.

That’s how I feel about my career. The truth is I would do my job for free! I love it every day. If you can possibly choose a vocation that’s an avocation, a job that’s really a hobby, then you’ll be way ahead of the game…

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.

T:9.75”

T:6.5”

The Texas Lottery Commission is committed to including Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) in its procurement opportunities.Your minority or woman-owned company may qualify to be certified as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) with the State of Texas.

For information about state certification and Texas Lottery opportunities, contact our HUB Coordinator, Joyce Bertolacini at (512) 344-5293 or joyce.bertolacini@lottery.state.tx.us

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© 2013 Texas Lottery Commission. All Rights Reserved.

IT’S A WINNING IDEA!

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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Higher Ed

Majority of students not ready for college

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Defender News Services

INSIDE

ata recently released by the College Board reveals that only 43 percent of SAT takers in the class of 2013 graduated from high school academically prepared for the rigors of college-level course work. This number has remained virtually unchanged during the last five years.

“While some might see stagnant scores as no news, we consider it a call to action,” said College Board President David Coleman.

“We must dramatically increase the number of students in K-12 who are prepared for college and careers. Only by transforming the daily work that students do can we achieve excellence and equity.”

There is some good news to report. In 2013, there were gains in SAT participation by underrepresented minority students. Among SAT takers in the class of 2013, 46 percent (762,511) were minority students – the largest percentage ever and up from 40 percent (635,730) in the class of 2009.

African-American, American Indian, and Hispanic

students comprised 30 percent of all SAT takers in the class of 2013, up from 27 percent five years ago.

However, there is a need to expand access to rigorous course work among underrepresented minority students.

Data shows that underrepresented minority and low-income students are less likely to complete a core curriculum, less likely to pursue more advanced honors or AP course work, and less likely to report a GPA equivalent to an A. The College Board is a U.S. association comprised of more than 5,900 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. It develops and administers standardized tests to promote college-readiness.

Recommendations for preparing students for college include: Providing access to rigorous course work. The College Board is working with its partners to expand access to advanced placement (AP) for students across the country.

Last year, more than 300,000 students in the graduating class of 2012 who had been identified as having the potential to succeed in an AP course did not take one.

Giving low-income students a fair shot. More than

50 percent of high-achieving low-income students attend less selective schools where they are less likely to graduate and earn a degree. The College Board has sent nearly 7,000 packets of customized college information to low-income students in the class of 2014. The goal is to ensure that these students have the necessary information to help them more effectively find the colleges that best fit their academic performance.

Expanding access through fee waivers and SAT School Day. Taking a college entrance exam is a critical step on the road to higher education. Since 1970, the College Board has provided SAT fee waivers to low-income students for whom exam fees would present an undue burden in the college-going process.

First offered in the spring of 2010, SAT School Day helps states and districts foster a college-going culture and increases access to college. Enabling students to take the SAT for free during the school day ensures that those who might otherwise face barriers to standard Saturday testing – such as part-time jobs or family responsibilities – do not miss out on a chance at the college-going process.

Timetable for students 2B

Texas Southern University 4B

Financial aid FAQs 9B

Publisher’s message 2B

Preparing minorities 6B

UH Downtown 10B

Houston Community College 3B

The University of Texas 8B

Prairie View A&M 11B

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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Higher Ed

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High school seniors should follow timetable f you’re a high school senior planning to go to college, here’s a timetable to follow from the U.S. Department of Education.

Fall

• Meet with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admission requirements.

• If you haven’t done so already, register for and take the standardized tests required for college admission. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.

• Apply to the colleges you have chosen.

Prepare your applications carefully. Follow the instructions, and PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES. • Well before your application deadlines, ask your counselor and teachers to submit required documents (e.g., transcript, letters of recommendation) to the colleges to which you’re applying.

Winter

• Encourage your parent(s) to complete income tax forms early. If your parent(s) has (have) not completed tax forms, you can provide estimated information on your federal student aid application, but remember to make any necessary changes later.

• As soon as possible after Jan. 1, complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), along with any other financial aid applications your school(s) of choice may require. You can complete the FAFSA online or on paper, but completing the application online is faster and easier. You should submit your FAFSA by the earliest financial aid deadline of the schools to which you are apply-

ing, usually by early February.

• After you submit the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within three days to three weeks. Quickly make any necessary corrections and submit them to the FAFSA processor.

• Complete last scholarship applications.

Spring

• Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll.

• Review your college acceptances and compare the colleges’ financial aid offers.

• Contact a school’s financial aid office if you have questions about the aid that school has offered you. In fact, getting to know your financial aid staff early is a good idea no matter what – they can tell you about deadlines, other aid for which you might wish to apply, and important paperwork you might need to submit.

• When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit.

Many schools require this notification and deposit by May 1.

Message from the Publisher As Houston’s Leading Black Information Source, the Defender is pleased to provide our readers with another special issue devoted to higher education. This time, we are focusing on the importance of preparation because of the large number of minority students who enter college and career school unprepared.

According to the College Board, for the last five years, nearly 60 percent of SAT takers have graduated from high school academically unprepared for college. This statistic is unacceptable.

These young people are our future leaders and taxpayers. They must be prepared to lead, succeed and compete in a global environment.

It all starts with a strong foundation. It begins with parents, who must do all they can to encourage their children and provide them with the necessary guidance and resources.

Our public and private schools must stress the basics, which our elders called the “three R’s” – reading, writing and arithmetic. Our school districts must take responsibility for the caliber of students they produce,

and must be held accountable when they fall short.

Our colleges, universities and career schools must also deal with the reality that they have the final responsibility for providing support to help our children succeed.

In this special issue, we explore various ways of preparing young people for higher education.

In addition, our education partners spotlight their efforts to prepare students for what lies ahead. They are Houston Community College, Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston Downtown and the University of Texas at Austin.

Education has always been a key to success, and growing up, we were taught that we had to be twice as good at everything to succeed.

Yet how can our children get ahead if they start out behind?

We must all work together to ensure that minority students are ready, willing and able to follow their educational dreams. Our future depends on it.

Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

3B

Higher Ed

Plan for the future

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at Houston Community College

ouston Community College is a 42-yearold institution with a rich history of academic education and vocational training excellence. It is recognized globally, and educates and trains more than 70,000 students a semester.

HCC’s current and long-term academic success and workforce readiness are essential to the economic growth of the Houston region. Millions of HCC’s alumni have made Houston the most productive and thriving metropolitan area in the world.

Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city and still growing. The greater Houston area is increasing demographically, economically and as a global influence. HCC reflects that diversity in the makeup of its student body, faculty and staff.

HCC’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths.

The college educates more international students than any other community college in the nation. By

working and studying with students from all over the world, our students are introduced to different cultures and gain a comprehensive perspective that prepares them to live and work in a global environment.

Houston has more diverse and innovative indus-

tries than any other city. The greater Houston area needs highly-trained and skilled workers and HCC, working with area communities, industries and businesses, is the number one developer in Houston of workforce-ready candidates.

HCC ranks first in Texas with 25 workforce programs recognized as exemplary. HCC provides terminal degrees and certificates in more than 70 fields of work, as well as academic courses for transfer to four -year institutions, continuing education and corporate training.

As one of the largest community colleges in the country, HCC’s top priority and mission is serving its students. HCC’s affordability, accessibility and flexibility provide Houston-area residents with more options for post-secondary education. HCC supports and guides students from admission to graduation, and students must graduate to acquire the skills needed to compete in today’s marketplace.

It’s your moment.

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality.

If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule.

HCC has convenient locations and hundreds of programs and degree plans. What are you waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours.

Your journey begins here.

visit hccs.edu to learn about our logistics program

Its your moment Defender EDU edition Fall 2013 .indd 1

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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Higher Ed

Texas Southern University

Proud students, proud alumni

Texas Southern University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs.

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ooted in its more than 85year history, Texas Southern University proudly embraces the 21st century through its breadth of academic programs that cater to a diverse student body.

One of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Texas Southern has more than 9,000 students and is located in Houston, the country’s fourth largest city.

in Houston and one of 42 in the nation authorized through Hanban, the Chinese Language and Cultural Institute.

Proud Tigers for life

Texas Southern alumni represent the largest percentages of teachers and administrators in Houston ISD. The university is the state’s second largest producer of pharmacists, and 27 percent of African-American pharmacists in the nation are alumni. Alumnus Kermit Crawford leads Pharmacy, Health, and Wellness Serving students and Services & Solutions at Walgreens.

U.S. News and World Report ranks inspiring excellence the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Texas Southern serves students on its Proud TSU graduates at commencement are prepared to pursure their dreams. the second most diverse law school in the main campus in Houston’s historic Third nation, and several alumni, including U.S. nation’s best students with a diverse, challenging Ward, and through partnerships with Lone Rep. Al Green, serve in the U.S. Congress. and cutting-edge curriculum.

Star Community College, Houston Community From the arts to business to politics and College and Montgomery Community College.

Academics from majors to careers everything in between, Texas Southern graduates Texas Southern offers upper level undergraduate With an eye toward emerging career stand out in their fields.

Some of the most wellcourses in several degree programs on a campus fields, Texas Southern offers programs such as known alumni include: the namesakes of the in Northwest Houston.

Emergency Management and Homeland Security Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Students seeking online graduate degrees that prepares graduates to combat natural and Affairs; Michael Strahan, TV host and Super can enroll in the online Executive Masters of man-made disasters. The university also offers Bowl Champion; Grammy winners gospel singer Public Affairs, Executive Masters of Business a program in aviation science, which prepares Yolanda Adams, jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Administration, or Masters of Education, students for careers in the airline industry. and pianist Joe Sample; Kermit Oliver, the only Curriculum and Instruction.

Through a partnership with the Port of Houston American designer for Hermes of Paris; and The university has 10 schools and colleges Authority, Texas Southern offers degrees in HipHopBlog founder Rocky Williform. with undergraduate and graduate level programs Maritime Transportation, Security and Logistics.

Students and alumni are proud to call Texas in a variety of disciplines. The newest college Texas Southern is a global university, and Southern University home. Find out how you is named in honor of the university’s longtime through the establishment of a Confucius Institute, can join the Texas Southern family and become professor and legendary debate coach. The has enhanced the Chinese language program #tsuproud at www.tsu.edu/proud.

Thomas F. Freeman Honor’s College attracts the and cultural studies. The center is the only one

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

www.tsu.edu/proud

Become a force for positive change.

Become a Tiger.

TexasSouthernUniversity

#tsuproud

@TexasSouthern

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Highe

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

Alief ISD

By EVAN Defe

For many students, a higher educat smoother. Yet students must be prepa start the preparation early.

Here is a look at how three local sch Houston –are preparing and advancin aspirations.

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he Alief Independent School District works to ensure that graduating seniors leave with meaningful college and career plans.

Progression starts with sponsored college sessions with students and college visits, surveys of graduating seniors for program enrollment, and open forums between AISD staff and higher education institutions to discuss the K-12 to postsecondary transition.

The district plans to increase students enrolled in higher education after graduation by implementing programs to aid students in navigating the admissions processes and test preparation.

Alief wants graduates prepared to pursue their plans by providing information sessions and assistance with completing college admissions and financial aid paperwork, researching scholarship opportunities, developing and initiating college entrance exam preparation and linking secondary to post-secondary coursework.

To promote college-bound culture, elementary, intermediate and middle school students visit colleges and participate in college and career readiness.

Other efforts by the district include: • Alief ISD recently hosted College Night, during which students learned more about higher education opportunities.

• The Alief Early College High School, a partnership program between the district and Houston Community College, began in the fall of 2009.

• Career and technical education (CTE) in Alief supports the district goal of providing students the opportunity to prepare for college

A student at Holub Middle School receives college and career readiness information.

Preparing

minoritie for college Alief Taylor High School staff and counselors provide students with guidance.

and career utilizing the statewide Achieve Texas program. With over 65 course offerings, CTE provides students with opportunities throughout middle and high school, including career assessments, earning college credit while in high school, work-based learning experiences, and achieving industry certifications/qualifications prior to graduation.

Fort Bend ISD

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he Fort Bend Independent School District aims to arm students with an arsenal of skills to attend a higher education institution, earn an industry certification, gain employment or serve their country in military branches.

“It is important for our educational system to continue to evolve and change in order to meet the needs of our students,” said Lupita Garcia, director of college and career readiness.

“Our schools are indeed the economic engines of our community, and we must provide the resources and direction to prepare our students for college and career opportunities.”

FBISD’s comprehensive plan includes components inside and outside of high schools.

Middle school career days, for example, allow students to explore their future opportunities before entering high school and their options to enhance their learning with internships, service learning and work-based learning.

“Our students face an economic landscape quite unlike that experienced by their parents,” Garcia said.

In addition to two annual College Nights, FBISD offers College Now and dual credit programs for students who plan

to attend a higher education institution.

College Now is in partnership with Houston Community College and Wharton County Junior College. It lets students enrolled in certain classes enroll in college and attend class during the school day at the student’s high school. Students can receive college credit as well as high school credit for the course.

For students who desire to enter the workforce immediately after high school, the Technical Education Center and career and technical education courses are available to acquire skills to provide for their families and/or pay for their education.

The Technical Education Center offers programs in cosmetology, fire science, auto technology, electronics, welding, engineering design & presentation, computer maintenance, instructional practice in educational technology, hospitality services and culinary arts, while CTE courses give students the opportunity to earn industry certifications.

Small learning communities called academies are available to middle school and high school students interested in personalized academic and career coursework.

The Dulles High School Math and Science Academy offers a rigorous course of study.

er Ed

N TAYLOR ender

hool districts – Alief, Fort Bend and ng students in their college and career

The Gifted and Talented Academy prepares students for college and careers.

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“Early college high schools offer students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school, which gives them a head start...”

tion can make the road to success ared to attend college, and they must

es

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HISD

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uring College Readiness Month in October, Houston Independent School District college preparation programs are in full effect, but efforts continue far past October.

“At HISD, we offer a slate of programs designed to ensure that our students are not just thinking about college, but prepared to attend and graduate,” said, Holly Huffman, senior media relations specialist.

The Emerge program connects those in low-income communities to top higher education institutions. It provides an introduction to the institution, navigation through the application and financial aid processes, and academic and mental preparation for challenging curriculums.

“The district also offers several dual credit programs allowing students to complete their high school coursework while earning college credits,” Huffman said.

In the Futures Academy program, in partnership with Houston Community College, high school students can earn industry certifications, college credits and associate degrees

by August following their senior year.

Programs offered at high schools include engineering at Furr, process technology at Kashmere, pharmacy technology at Long, network and computer administration at Scarborough, logistics and global Supply at Sterling, manufacturing engineering technology at Washington and health science careers at Westside.

Huffman said additionally, “Early college high schools offer students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school, which gives them a head start on their college aspirations.”

At Challenge Early, East Early, South Early, North Houston Early and the Houston

A student studies in preparation for SAT exams at Sharpstown High School

HISD students look over brochures while Yale University representatives visit.

Academy for International Studies, students can graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree as well.

According to Huffman, a partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville allows students at Barbara Jordan High, Robert E. Lee High, the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and the Sam Houston Mathematics, Science & Technology High School to earn college credit for taking college algebra or trigonometry.

District-wide, HISD offers the PSAT to all sophomores and the SAT for juniors at no cost to students.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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Higher Ed The University of Texas at Austin

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embraces diversity

tant to the university? n the following Q&A, The University of A. The University of Texas at Austin Texas President Bill Powers discusses is the state’s flagship public university the role of diversity at UT. and we must ensure fair access and afQ. How has the campus changed fordability to every qualified student in in the past 20 years with regard to Texas. That is our responsibility and our diversity? mission. To leave out any segment of our A. The enrollment statistics give the population is a disservice to the citizens clearest picture of the difference: In 1990 our who support us. student body was composed of 71.2% White Q. Given the economic climate, the students, 10.8% Hispanic, 3.7% African costs of higher education are frequently American, and 6.3% Asian American. This discussed in the news. What are the costs fall our enrollment was 48.4% White students; of not embracing diversity?

19.1% Hispanic, 4.5% African American and A. If we do not have a diverse univer15.2% Asian American. For the past three sity community, we will become a less atyears, our incoming freshman class has conThe University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers continues to teach an undergraduate course tractive and less effective learning environsisted of a majority of minority students, with every semester. ment for our students, faculty and staff. We the percentage of underrepresented students In 2010 we created the Ph.D.-granting Department of will fail in our responsibility to represent all of Texas and to increasing each year.

African and African Diaspora Studies and the Institute of prepare the future leaders of the state.

As the state continues Over the past two decades, we have enriched the UT Critical Urban Policy, which conducts socioeconomic and to become more diverse, preparing diverse leadership for experience by launching the Division of Diversity and cultural policy research on key issues related to African every field – government, science, business and education – Community Engagement, adding more ethnic studies proAmerican life in Texas. becomes more and more important. That is one reason why grams, more programs and initiatives targeted at improvQ. Both as dean of The University of Texas School we have defended our position of using a holistic admissions ing diversity, and a scholarship program for underrepreof Law and as president of UT Austin, you have made sented populations. diversity one of your priorities. Why is diversity so impor- process in Fisher v. The University of Texas.

“ . . . no amount of purely academic study can substitute for the deep learning that results from human interaction—studying and working within a group of diverse individuals.”

— Bill Powers

President, The University of Texas at Austin

www.utexas.edu/diversity/

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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Higher Ed Frequently asked questions about financial aid

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here are billions of dollars of financial aid available to students who need help paying for college. Here are some FAQs from the College Board.

Q. How many college students get financial aid?

A. About two-thirds of full-time undergraduate college students receive some type of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans or work-study. Approximately 38 percent of financial aid dollars awarded to undergraduates are in the form of federal loans, and the rest are grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and tax credits and deductions.

Q. Can I afford to go to college?

A. Despite all the news stories about rising college prices, a college education is more affordable than most people believe. There are many colleges that provide an excellent educational experience at a price you can manage. Public college prices are much lower than you might expect.

Q. Do I qualify for aid even if I don’t get straight A’s?

A. It’s true that many scholarships reward student performance in high school, but most government aid is based on financial need. If you do receive need-based aid, you must remain in good academic standing to renew your aid annually.

Q. Should I work while I’m attending college?

A. Students who attempt to juggle full-time work and

Visit Us Online Now!

Exemption programs for Texas students

full-time studies may have difficulty completing their academic programs. However, students who choose to work a moderate amount often do better academically. You might find that working in campus jobs related to your career goals may be a good way to manage college costs and gain experience.

For more information visit collegeboard.org

Exemptions are a type of financial assistance allowing some residents to attend a Texas public college or university without paying tuition or fees. Here are examples of programs.

1. Adopted students formerly in foster or other residential care 2. Blind/deaf student exemption program 3. Children of disabled or deceased firefighters, peace officers, game wardens or correctional institution employees 4. Combat exemption for children of military service members 5. Waiver for enrollment in two Texas community colleges 6. Exemption for highest ranking high school graduate 7. Exemption for peace officers disabled in the line of duty 8. Exemption for students under conservatorship of the Dept. of Family & Protective Services 9. Senior citizen (55 or older) tuition reduction program 10. Exemption for orphans of Texas members of the armed forces or National Guard For more programs visit www.collegeforalltexans.com.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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Higher Ed

Find your major opportunity at UHD

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our future at the UHD means being a part of a thriving university located in the heart of downtown Houston that provides students with life-changing educational experiences at a remarkable value. With unparalleled research opportunities, community engagement, flexibility and faculty support, UHD is the major opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university that offers an urban appeal to a diverse student body. If you’re a student fresh out of high school, an adult returning to college to complete your degree, or a professional seeking a career change, UHD is right for you.

UHD is committed to your success. With a facultyto-student ratio of just 20:1, professors serve as mentors, and will help you shape your career goals, find the right degree program and build industry connections.

We’re proud that first-year graduates from UHD earn the third highest salaries in the state, or over 18 percent more than the statewide average for any Texas public university. (Source: Higher Education Pays: The Initial Earnings of Graduates of Texas Public Colleges and Universities. American Institutes for Research. 2013).

UHD understand that our students have jobs, families and other responsibilities. To accommodate busy lifestyles, UHD offers students remarkable flexibility in scheduling courses. You’ll find a wide variety of class offerings during weekdays, evenings, weekends and even online. No other public university in the region offers more online degree programs – at the lowest tuition rate.

And since our students come from multiple areas across the Greater HousUniversity of Houston-Downtown provides students with life-changing educational ton area, we have satellite campuses to experiences at a remarkable value conveniently serve students throughout new to enhance your college experience. the city.

In spite of these benefits and opportunities, attendWe also promote learning that extends past the classing UHD won’t break the bank. With the second lowest room. You’ll find dozens of options for engaging in the tuition in the state, you will appreciate the value of educacommunity, participating in faculty research in on-campus tion you receive for the cost. labs or out in the field, and study abroad programs.

The best way to learn more about UHD is through a Whether you want to participate in one of our competitive campus tour. Come see for yourself how UHD is chang20 club team sports or any of our 60-plus student orgaing lives and building futures. Schedule your visit at uhd. nizations on campus, you’ll find something exciting and edu/visit or call 713-221-8097.

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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Higher Ed Prairie View A&M University

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achieves excellence

n 1876, the 15th Legislature of the State of Texas created Prairie View A&M University, a land-grant institution and the second oldest institution of higher learning in the state. It began as an industrial school for minorities and has evolved to meet the changing needs of the state. The University has thrived for more than135 years and is dedicated to fulfilling its mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service.

PVAMU enjoys an established reputation for producing engineers, corporate leaders, nurses and educators. Through its eight colleges and schools it boasts more than 50 degree programs including engineering, natural sciences, architecture, business, nursing, criminal and Students fellowship in one juvenile justice. The newest of the campus’ popular doctoral degree program is gathering spots, the slated to come from the noted Memorial Student Center.

College of Nursing which is housed in the center of Houston’s world-renowned Texas Medical Center. The graduate degree program will address the nursing shortage by creating a host of nursing educators.

PVAMU’s dedication to excellence extends past its majestic campus into nearby Houston. In northwest Houston, students enjoy the convenience of centralized offerings in education, nursing and community development at the new Northwest Houston Center. The Center is a full extension of the University’s main campus.

Excellence is everywhere, even outside the classroom. The overall success of the Prairie View A&M athletics department, including Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships by the baseball, women’s basketball and bowling teams has led to numerous awards. The Panthers won the overall SWAC Commissioner’s Cup, which is awarded to the most successful university of the conference in terms of athletic achievement each season.

As time moves on, the University with such a storied history is making a number of improvements. As you approach the campus via University Drive, a major change is enhancing the scenery of the main location. New gates have been installed and are the first visible signs of the campus master plan coming into fruition. The construction of the gates creates an official marked entrance to the campus. Nearby, a new retention pond sits in the open area just beyond the flag poles. University View, additional housing for undergraduate upperclassmen and graduate students, has opened as well.

The 10-year campus master plan, will add a few modern touches to the look of the campus and address the needs that accompany student growth.

Students engage in the university’s semiannual P.A.W. (Panthers At Work) servicelearning project.

Proud Ph.D. graduates exemplify Prairie View’s tradition of excellence.

A new $37M academic building housing the College of Agriculture and the College of Business is scheduled to be completed in 2015. A recreation facility and a new athletic stadium are also coming to the campus.

The two-story building will include three multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and dodge ball; fitness spaces for cardio and weight lifting, group fitness exercise studios, and a wellness center with a demonstration kitchen and a massage therapy room. In addition, preliminary plans call for an upgrade to the current 25-meter swimming pool. Under the plan, the existing pool deck will be expanded to allow for a diving board

and additional activity space.

Lastly, the corner of University Drive at Owens Road will be transformed to include a new retail center that many expect will infuse the area with new life. The proposed 36,000 square foot facility will consist of six to eight merchant shops, a bowling center, food court and a possible small grocery store. The PVAMU community is excited about what’s already happening and are looking toward the future changes to come that will improve and enhance the students’ learning environment, encourage positive social interaction where they live, and create a welcoming presence for the surrounding communities.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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PVAMU Northwest hoUstoN CeNter 9449 Grant Road, Houston, Texas cob@pvamu.edu | (936) 261-9200 www.pvamu.edu/emba

Executive MBA • A two-year, 12 course program for managers • Classes conveniently taught on Saturdays at the PVAMU Northwest Houston Center near Tomball Parkway and FM 1960 • Classes meet twice a month on alternate Saturdays • Classes taught by highly-qualified faculty

Our tradition.

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OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

business Buying power: What’s in our shopping carts?

By Cheryl Pearson-McNeil NNPA Columnist

W

ith a current buying power of $1 trillion, manufacturers and marketers should be paying careful attention to the shopping patterns of African-American consumers.

The latest report on Black consumers, “Resilient, Receptive and Relevant: The African-American Consumer 2013 Report,” illustrates how much of that spending breaks down: Our annual retail spending makes up 87 percent of the total market retail spending, while retail spending for the total market accounts for 70 percent.

This is a narrow gap in retail spending between Blacks and the total market, which indicates our importance as Black consumers.

We shell out 30 percent more of our annual income than the total market as well.

So now that you have a glimpse as to where the bulk of our household income is spent, let’s take a look at where that spending occurs. Annually, African-Americans, make 154 shopping trips, which is eight trips more than other groups.

We average 20 trips to dollar stores, seven trips more; 15 trips to convenience/gas stores, which is two more than any other group and 15 trips to drug stores, which is one more than any other groups.

Less time is spent at grocery stores, with three fewer trips.

The exception to grocery store shopping, though, is with Blacks who earn upward of $100,000 annually. We also make three fewer trips to warehouse stores and two fewer trips to mass merchandisers than the total market. However, more upper-income Blacks (73 percent) shop at warehouse clubs

than non-Blacks annually.

The Centers for Disease Control has identified a phenomenon specific to some of our communities known as “food deserts” or “retail deserts.” We all know you won’t find some large chains in some urban areas. And, some existing grocery stores simply don’t carry the freshest, most nutritious foods. This might explain the occurrences and store preferences of food shopping trips in the AfricanAmerican community.

As the data also shows, African Americans tend to frequent retail stores located in our communities. Consequently, there is an opportunity for expansion of both affordable, quality product variety and actual stores in our neighborhoods.

Another retail area that’s big for us is ethnic health and beauty care products – I know, no shocker there, right? We spend more than nine times more than any other demographic on ethnic hair and beauty aids.

Sure, of course there are other hair care products on the shelves, but those products are not identified as ethnic, but they can lead to tremendous market growth opportunities, as Blacks’ hair care spending within traditional CPG retailers is underdeveloped Continued On Page 15

11

12

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

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HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM NOTICE OF TRUSTEE ELECTION THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTIES OF HARRIS AND FORT BEND HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM

TO ALL THE DULY QUALIFIED, RESIDENT ELECTORS OF THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held within and throughout the HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM on November 5, 2013, in accordance with the Texas Election Code, for the purpose of electing to the Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System one trustee for each of the positions in geographic districts I, II, III, V, and VII of the Houston Community College System.

Positions in geographic districts I, II, and VII are to be filled for a term of office commencing January 1, 2014, and continuing until December 31, 2019. The position for geographic district III is to be filled for a term of office commencing January 1, 2014, and continuing until December 31, 2015. The position for geographic district V is to be filled for a term commencing January 1, 2014, and continuing until December 31, 2017.

The candidates for the position in geographic district I are Yolanda Navarro Flores, Zeph Capo, and Kevin J. Hoffman.

The candidates for the position in geographic district II are Dave Wilson and Bruce A. Austin.

The candidates for the position in geographic district III are Dane D. Cook, Adriana Tamez, and Herlinda Garcia.

The candidates for the position in geographic district V are Robert Glaser, Phil Kunetka, and Roy A. Cormier.

The candidates for the position in geographic district VII are Neeta Sane and Ann Williams.

On November 5, 2013, the polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. See Exhibit A attached hereto for Election Day Polling Places for Harris and Fort Bend Counties.

The Harris County Elections Official, Stan Stanart, is hereby designated as the Early Voting Clerk for Harris County to perform those functions for the Houston Community College System voters who are qualified under state and federal law in Harris County.

Applications for ballots to be voted by mail by Harris County residents should be mailed to: Stan Stanart Harris County Clerk Attn: Elections Division P. O. Box 1148 Houston, Texas 77251-1148 The main early voting polling place for Harris County is: The Harris County Administration Building 1001 Preston, 1st Floor Houston,, Texas 77002 The Fort Bend County Elections Official, John Oldham, is hereby designated as the Early Voting Clerk for Fort Bend County to perform those functions for the Houston Community College System voters who are qualified under state and federal law in Fort Bend County.

Applications for ballots to be voted by mail by Fort Bend County residents should be mailed to: Early Voting Clerk Fort Bend County Elections 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469-3108 The main early voting polling place for Fort Bend County is Rosenberg Annex Building 4520 Reading Road Rosenberg, Texas 77471 See Exhibit B attached hereto for the times, dates, and locations for early voting in Harris and Fort Bend Counties.

EXHIBIT A Election Day Polling Places Harris County Polling Places Precinct

ColS M

Vote s In

0005

HCC1

0005

0007 0008

HCC2 HCC5

0007 0008

0015

HCC5

0015

0020

HCC3

0020

0021

HCC3

0021

0023

HCC3

0526

0024

HCC3

0024

0025

HCC3

0025

0026

HCC3

0026

0027

HCC3

0027

0036 0040

HCC3 HCC5

0036 0895

Location Proctor Plaza Park Community Center Mount Zion M Church McNamara Elementary School Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church Trinity Episcopal Church YWCPA Raul Yzaguirre School for Success Tejano Center Mount Zion Baptist Church Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church Knights of Columbus Hall 3077 Eastwood Academy Charter High School Daniel Ortiz Middle School Poe Elementary School

Address

City

Zip

803 West Temple Street

Houston

77095

9318 Homestead Road 8714 McAvoy Drive

Houston Houston

77016 77074

5308 Buffalo Speedway

Houston

77005

1015 Holman Street

Houston

77004

1906 Cleburne Street 2950 Broadway Boulevard 2301 Nagle Street

Houston

77004

Houston

77017

Houston

77004

3202 Trulley Avenue

Houston

77004

420 Telephone Road

Houston

77023

1315 Dumble Street

Houston

77023

6767 Telephone Road 5100 Hazard Street

Houston Houston

77061 77098

0042

HCC2

0042

Saint Francis of Assisi Church

5102 Dabney Street

Houston

77026

0045

HCC2

0045

C E King Middle School

8530 C E King Parkway

Houston

77044

0047 0048

HCC2 HCC2

0047 0048

Payne Chapel A M E Church J W Peavy Senior Center

2701 Lee Street 3814 Market Street

Houston Houston

77026 77020

0054

HCC1

0054

1435 Beall Street

Houston

77008

0057

HCC1

0057

0058 0059

HCC1 HCC1

0058 0059

SPJST Lodge #88 John H Reagan High School Auditorium Love Park Community Center Field Elementary School

0067

HCC3

0067

Brookline Elementary School

Combos

0836

77016

10220 Shady Lane

Houston

77093

7500 Bauman Road

Houston

77076

0154

HCC3

0154

6815 Rustic Street

Houston

77087

0159

HCC2

0159

HCC Southeast College Building D Bruce Elementary School

510 Jensen Drive

Houston

77020

0160

HCC2

0160

YMCPA

1701 Bringhurst Street

Houston

77020

0161

HCC2

0161

Julia C Hester House

2020 Solo Street

Houston

77020

0166

HCC1

0166

0168

HCC2

0168

0169

HCC2

0169

0152

0152

0171

HCC2

0171

0172

HCC3

0231

0175

HCC5

0175

Mark Twain Elementary School

HCC5

0176

Lovett Elementary School Looscan Branch Library Harris County Public Health Environmental Building

0177

HCC5

0177

0178

HCC5

0178

0179

HCC1 HCC2

0179

0181

HCC3

0181

0182

HCC5

0182

0183

HCC5

0183

0184

HCC1

0184

0185

HCC2

0185

0186

HCC2

0854

0080

12425 Woodforest Drive

Houston

77013

0086

HCC1

0086

812 West 28th Street

Houston

77008

0087

HCC5

0087

West University Elementary School

3756 University Boulevard

Houston

77005

0089

HCC5

0089

Southside Place Park Clubhouse

3743 Garnet Street

Houston

77005

0094

HCC3

0181

Pearl Rucker Elementary School

5201 Vinett Street

Houston

77017

0104 0105

HCC2 HCC1 HCC1 HCC2

0104 0105

Fonwood Elementary School Clark Park Community Center

10719 Seneca Street 9718 Clark Road

Houston Houston

77016 77076

0107

Berry Elementary School

2310 Berry Road

Houston

77093

2100 South Victory Street

Houston

77088

4134 Southerland Road

Houston

77092

400 Victoria Drive

Houston

77022

7008 South Rice Avenue 14300 Almeda School Road

Bellaire

77401

Houston

77047

Houston

77005

0109

HCC2

0109

0115

HCC2

0115

0117

0117

0128

HCC2 HCC1 HCC2 HCC5

0128

0131

HCC3

0131

Almeda United Methodist Church

0133

West University Colonial Park Recreation Center

4130 Byron Street

Garden Villas Park Community Center

6720 South Haywood Drive

Houston

77061

River Oaks Recreation Center Residence Inn Marriott New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

3601 Locke Lane 2939 Westpark Drive

Houston Houston

77027 77005

3221 Bain Street

Houston

8200 Park Place Boulevard

Houston

0666, 0903 0906

0801, 0815, 0820, 0825, 0831

77093 77087

7500 Braes Boulevard 8814 South Rice Avenue 2510 Willowick Road

Houston

77025

Houston

77096

Houston

77027

2223 West Loop South

Houston

77027

6818 Shadyvilla Lane

Houston

77055

5201 Vinett Street

Houston

77017

4530 Holly Street

Bellaire

77401

6104 Auden Street

Houston

77005

6 Burress Street

Houston

77022

9325 Deer Trail Drive

Houston

77088

3200 Russell Street

Houston

77026

Houston

77018 77018

0193

HCC3

0193

Third Ward Multi Service Center

3611 Ennis Street

Houston

77004

0195

HCC2

0195

Burrus Elementary School

701 East 33rd Street

Houston

77022

800 Ringold Street

Houston

77088

3018 Dowling Street

Houston

77004

0197

HCC2

0197

0198

HCC3

0198

0201

HCC2

0201

Osborne Elementary School Emancipation Park Community Center Dominion Christian Centre

4221 Liberty Road

Houston

77026

0202

HCC2

0202

Wheatley Senior High School

4801 Providence Street

Houston

77020

0203

HCC3

0203

Juan Sequin Elementary School

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

0204

HCC1

0204

Lazybrook Baptist Church

1822 West 18th Street

Houston

77008

0205

HCC2

0205

East Park Baptist Church

8602 Tidwell Road

Houston

77028

0206

HCC1

0206

915 Northwood Street

Houston

77009

0207

HCC1

0207

Monte Beach Park Community Center Saint Albans Episcopal Church Charlton Park Recreation Center Ernest F Mendel Elementary School

420 Woodard Street

Houston

77009

0215

HCC5

0215

0217

HCC5

0217 0218

0230

HCC2

0230

0231

HCC3

0231

0232

HCC5

0232

0247

HCC3

0247

0252

HCC2

0252

0253

HCC2

0253

HCC2

0254

0256

HCC5

0256

0259

HCC2

0259

0261

HCC1

0677

Gatherings Banquet Hall Faith American Lutheran Church Saint Anne Catholic Church J P Henderson Elementary School Meadowcreek Village Park Community Center Christ The King Lutheran Church Parish Hall Ingrando Park Recreation Center River Oaks Elementary School New Mount Carmel Baptist Church Golfcrest Elementary School Pershing Middle School Cuney Homes Community Center Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Little Union Missionary Baptist Church Emmanuel Deliverance Temple of Refuge William S Sutton Elementary School Pleasantville Elementary School El Mesias United Methodist Church Christ Church Presbyterian Fellowship Hall

0268

HCC5

0268

0270

HCC2

0270

Clifton Middle School

0275

HCC3

0275

Glenbrook United Methodist Church

0281

HCC5

0281

0282

HCC5

0282

0285

HCC3

0285

0292

HCC3

0292

77026

0297

HCC5

0297

77017

0298

HCC5

0298

0360

Houston Houston

Houston

0254

0446

8317 Curry Road 7414 Fairway Street

1401 West 43rd Street

0227

HCC2

77088

119 East 39th Street

HCC5

0080

Houston

Oak Forest Elementary School

0227

77022

7401 Wheatley Street

B T Washington High School

0226

Houston

77009 77035

0189

HCC3

504 Caplin Street

Houston Houston

0192

0226

Lindale Assembly of God Church Judson Robinson Elementary School

2810 Link Road 4812 Bennington Street

HCC1

0221

0078

77026 77028

HCC2

0222

HCC1

Houston Houston

0189

HCC5

0078

Freed Park Clubhouse Pearl Rucker Elementary School Horn Elementary School West University Community Building Independence Hall Apartments Ralph G Goodman Elementary School Tuffly Park Recreation Center

4609 Hirsch Road 7225 Homestead Road

0192

HCC3

77018 77008

Saint Anne de Beaupre Catholic Church Friendship Missionary Baptist Church A B Anderson Academy Hill Zion Missionary Baptist Church Golfcrest Elementary School

0176

0222

Houston Houston

Charlton Park Recreation Center

Houston

0221

901 Sue Barnett Drive 503 W 21st Street

0138

5905 Tidwell Road

0153

Shadydale Elementary School Shady Lane Park Community Center Janowski Elementary School

77087

Garden Oaks Elementary School Helms Community Learning Center

0211

0611

0153

HCC2 HCC1 HCC2 HCC1

Houston

0073 0075

HCC2

0151

HCC3

HCC1 HCC1

HCC3

77078

0218

0073 0075

0138

77030

Houston

77008

0789

0142

Houston

10118 Tidwell Road

77008 77008

0741

0135 0137

6000 Greenbriar Street

Faith Christian Center

Houston

77007 77023

HCC5 HCC5

0148 0150

Houston Houston

77007

0135 0137

HCC5

413 East 13th Street

Houston Houston

Zip

HCC2

0214

Houston

City

0148

HCC5

5525 Kansas Street 541 South 75th Street

Address

0150

0214 0900

IPSP Mason Park Community Center

0134

0145

0211

Memorial Elementary School

HCC3

HCC2

0212

0071 0072

0134

0145

Location New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church Wesley United Methodist Church Roberts Elementary School

HCC3

0070

HCC5

0144

HCC2

HCC1

0133

HCC2

0211

HCC1 HCC3

0122

0144

0212

0070

0122

Vote s In

0373, 0816

0071 0072

G W Carver Contemporary High School TBD Langwood Baptist Church John F Kennedy Elementary School Bellaire Civic Center

ColS M

0749

1000 West 12th Street 703 East 17th Street 6301 South Loop 610 East 6401 Arnot Street

Energy Institute High School

Precinct

Kolter Elementary School Briarmeadow Elementary School J P Cornelius Elementary School R W Dick Dowling Middle School Sharpstown Park Community Center Waldo Emerson Elementary School

8200 Park Place Boulevard 3735 Topping Street 5206 Bissonnet Boulevard 4600 Bellaire Boulevard 2140 Westheimer Road 1800 Dismuke Street 5333 Berry Creek Drive 2353 Rice Boulevard

Houston

77017

Houston

77093

Bellaire

77401

Bellaire

77401

Houston

77098

Houston

77023

Houston

77017

Houston

77005

7302 Keller Street

Houston

77012

2008 Kirby Drive

Houston

77019

Combos

0371, 0832 0714

0924 0412, 0865

0583

0094

1024

0929 0766, 0945, 0946 1051

0142

4301 Weaver Road

Houston

77016

0574

7414 Fairway Street

Houston

77087

0172

3838 Bluebonnet Boulevard

Houston

77053

0956

3260 Truxillo Street

Houston

77004

10505 Bainbridge Street

Houston

77016

6609 Letcher Drive

Houston

77028

Houston

77093

4718 Littlecrest Road 7402 Albacore Drive 1431 Gellhorn Drive 406 East Rittenhouse Street 4925 Bellaire Boulevard 6001 Golden Forest Drive 8635 Glen Valley Drive 9710 Runnymeade Drive 3601 Dunvale Road 7475 Westover Street 14000 Stancliff Street 6600 Harbor Town Drive 9533 Skyline Drive

Houston

77074

Houston

77029

Houston

77076

Bellaire

77401

Houston

77092

Houston

77061

Houston

77096

Houston

77063

Houston

77087

Houston

77045

Houston

77036

Houston

77063

0938

0850, 1039

1046

defendernetwork.com Precinct

ColS M

Vote s In

0299

HCC2

0299

0304

HCC5

0304

0308

HCC3

0308

0313

HCC2

0323

0316

HCC5

0316

0317

HCC5

0317

0320

HCC2

0320

0321

HCC2

0321

0322

HCC2

0322

0323

HCC2

0323

0324

HCC1

0324

0325

HCC1 HCC2

0325

0326

HCC1

0326

0327

HCC2

0327

0329

HCC3

0329

0335

HCC5

0335

0338

HCC7

0338

0341

HCC1

0341

0343

HCC3

0343

0344

HCC2

0344

0345

HCC1

0345

0350 0360

HCC5 HCC5

0350 0137

0361

HCC5

0361

0365

HCC2

0365

0367

HCC2

0367

0371

HCC2

0150

0373

HCC2

0042

0379

HCC3

0379

0389

HCC3

0389

0396

HCC2

0396

0401

HCC2

0401

OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER Location

Treasure Forest Elementary School Herod Elementary School Courtyard by Marriott Houston Hobby Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel Bellaire Civic Center American Russian Cultural Exchange Woodland Lodge No 1157 Melrose Park Community Center Laguna Townhomes Clubhouse Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel Durham Elementary School High School Ahead Academy Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Wesley Elementary School W I Stevenson Middle School Braeburn Elementary School Alexander Elementary School Burbank Elementary School Houston Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trade Greater Love Baptist Church Sylvan Rodriguez Jr Elementary School The Rice School Residence Inn Marriott Rice Memorial Center Saint Pius the Tenth High School B T Washington High School

0403

HCC5

0403

0406

HCC2

0406

0412

HCC2

0161

Faith Christian Center Saint Francis of Assisi Church Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center University of Houston University Center North Forest ISD Administration Building Lakewood Park Community Center Westbury Baptist Church Kashmere Gardens Elementary School Julia C Hester House

0421

HCC5

0567

The Hilton Southwest To Be Determined Houston Community College Alief Center

0424

HCC1

0424

0428

HCC7

0428

0430

HCC5

0430

0431

HCC1

0431

0432

HCC1

0432

0433

HCC5

0433

0434

HCC1

0434

Jane Long Academy Burnett Bayland Community Center Pilgrim Academy Piney Point Elementary School Hampton Inn Galleria

0446

HCC2

0117

Langwood Baptist Church

0448

HCC1

0448

Black Middle School

0450

HCC2

0450

Josie Ruth Smith Academy

0454

HCC2

0454

0455

HCC2

0455

Beebe Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal Isaacs Elementary School

0462

HCC7

0462

Kate Bell Elementary School

0487

HCC7

0487

Alief Middle School

0488

HCC7

0984

Holub Middle School

0497

HCC2

0497

Beulah E Johnson Elementary School

0498

HCC2

0498

Northwest Church of Christ

0501

HCC1

0501

0505

HCC1 HCC2

0505

0507

HCC5

0507

0526

HCC3

0526

Address

Houston

77055

5627 Jason Street

Houston

77096

9190 Gulf Freeway

Houston

77017

Houston

77092

3000 North Loop West 7008 Rice Avenue

0578

1001 Canino Road

Houston

77076

0580

HCC2

0580

5911 Sunforest Drive 3000 North Loop West 4803 Brinkman Street 5320 Yale Street

0567

The Hilton Southwest

0569

HCC1

0569

Saint George Place Elementary School

77018

0583

HCC2

0168

0584

HCC2

0584

9595 Winkler Drive

Houston

77017

7707 Rampart Street

Houston

77081

8500 Brookwulf Drive

Houston

77072

216 Tidwell Road 2704 Sutherland Street 6113 Jensen Drive 5858 Chimney Rock Road 7550 Seuss Drive 2939 Westpark Drive Rice University Entrance 20 811 West Donovan Street 119 East 39th Street

Houston

77022

Houston

77023

Houston

77026

Houston

77081

Houston Houston

77025 77005

Houston

77005

Houston

77091

Houston

77018

10118 Tidwell Road

Houston

77078

5102 Dabney Street

Houston

77026

Houston

77087

Houston

77004

Houston

77016

Houston

77028

8811 Feland Street 10425 Hillcroft Street 4901 Lockwood Drive 2020 Solo Street 6780 Southwest Freeway 13803 Bissonnet Street 6501 Bellaire Boulevard 6200 Chimney Rock Drive 6302 Skyline Drive 8921 Pagewood Lane 4500 Post Oak Parkway 4134 Southerland Road 1575 Chantilly Lane 5815 West Little York Road

1048

0826, 0835

0871

0798

Houston

77096

Houston

77026

Houston

77020

Houston

77074

Houston

77083

Houston

77074

Houston

77081

0539

Houston

77057

0546

Houston

77063

Houston

77027

0971

0585

HCC2

0585

0591

HCC2

0591

0606

HCC2

0606

0607

HCC3

0607

0611

HCC2

0611

0686

Houston

77092 77018

0989

Houston

77091

0975

7210 Langley Road

Houston

77016

3830 Pickfair Street 12323 Shaftsbury Drive 4415 Cook Road 9515 South Dairy Ashford Street

Houston

77026

Houston

77031

0646

HCC7

0646

Albright Middle School

0647

HCC7

0647

Mahanay Elementary School

0649

HCC7

0649

All Saints Lutheran Church

0656

HCC2

0656

0663

HCC1

0663

0666

HCC2

0086

0676

HCC1

0637

0677

HCC1

0677

0683

HCC1

0677

0684

HCC1

0569

0686

HCC5

0433

0702

HCC1

0702

0710

HCC1

0710

0714

HCC1

0152

0722

HCC3

0722

HCC1

0730

0741

HCC1

0070

0742

HCC2

0083

0749

HCC3

0036

0754

HCC2

0543

0766

HCC3

0203

0773

HCC7

0773

0774

HCC3

1058

0775

HCC1

0702

HCC1

0543

0779

HCC1

0779

5801 Hamill Road

Houston

77039

0781

HCC7

0781

6720 West Tidwell Road

Houston

77092

0784

HCC2

0784

902 West 8th Street

Houston

77007

0787

HCC1

0787

5330 Milwee Street

Houston

77092

Houston

77036

77506

Houston

77081

Houston

77022

Houston

77026

6302 Skyline Drive 10455 South Kirkwood Road 11718 Hendon Lane

Houston

77057

Houston

77099

Houston

77072

3223 Wilcrest Drive

Houston

77042

3011 Fontinot Street

Houston

77026

9855 Pagewood Lane 6780 Southwest Freeway 5430 Hidalgo Street

0754, 0778

North Forest High School Westfield Volunteer Fire Station 2 Key Middle School Albert Thomas Middle School Shadydale Elementary School Douglas Smith Elementary School Christia V Adair Park Community Center

0627

77072

0023

V F W Post 9187

0630

77099

77017

4601 Glenmont Drive 3021 Little York Road

HCC7

Houston

Houston

Pin Oak Middle School Scarborough Elementary School New Mount Carmel Baptist Church Saint Pauls Missionary Baptist Church Candlelight Park Community Center Rittenhouse Baptist Church New Mount Calvary Baptist Church Bethany Baptist Church Fellowship Hall B C Elmore Elementary School Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

HCC3

Houston

Pasadena

Address

0627

0778

0973, 1004

Location

0630

0730

Houston

Pilgrim Academy Cummings Elementary School Martin Elementary School Judson W Robinson Jr Westchase Library Greater True Vine Missionary Baptist Church

HCC5

Houston

77091

Ross Elementary School

0567

0581 0582

Houston

0544

Sneed Elementary School

HCC2 HCC2

77091

HCC2

0566

0581 0582

77076

0544

HCC5

77092 77092

Houston

Herrera Elementary School

0566

Houston

Houston

6723 Whitefriars Drive 4800 Calhoun Road Entrance 1 6010 Little York Road

0953, 0954

Houston

215 Rittenhouse Street 800 Dillard Street

0543

0562

0576

0579

HCC1

HCC2

HCC2 HCC1

0543

0562

0576

HCC1 HCC2

6200 Chimney Rock Drive 525 Bennington Street 2819 Bay Street

0559

0230

0578

Burnett Bayland Community Center

HCC5

HCC2

0579

0431

0559

0574

77037

HCC1

0557

0570 0571

Houston

0539

HCC7

HCC5 HCC2

8337 Sweetwater Lane

416 Bearle Street

0557

0570 0571

77401

Red Bluff Elementary School

0432

Vote s In

77096

0301

0556

ColSM

Bellaire

HCC3

HCC1

0809

EXHIBIT A PAGE 2 Precinct

Houston

0527

HCC7

Combos

9649 Hillcroft Street

9829 Town Park Drive 2950 Broadway Boulevard

0546

Zip

7635 Amelia Road

Mount Sinai Baptist Church Family Life Center Wainwright Elementary School Margaret Collins Elementary School Raul Yzaguirre School for Success Tejano Center

0556

City

13

Greater True Light Baptist Church Garden Oaks Baptist Church Energy Institute High School William Booth Garden Apartments El Mesias United Methodist Church El Mesias United Methodist Church Saint George Place Elementary School Piney Point Elementary School Church of the Living God Temple 1 Saint Lukes Missionary Baptist Church Shady Lane Park Community Center Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church The Forum at Memorial Woods Multi Purpose Room Memorial Elementary School North Belt Baptist Church Daniel Ortiz Middle School Herrera Elementary School Juan Sequin Elementary School Liestman Elementary School J C Mitchell Elementary School Church of the Living God Temple 1 Herrera Elementary School Hardy Street Senior Citizens Center Notre Dame Catholic Church Parish Hall Greater Parkhill Church of God in Christ

0801

HCC3

0134

0807

HCC5

0807

0134

0816

HCC2

0042

0820

HCC3

0134

Houston

77042

0822

HCC3

0822

Houston

77074

0421

0825

HCC3

0134

Houston

77056

0684

0826

HCC5

0335

77026

Houston

77028

8200 Tate Street

Houston

77028

Houston

77035

Houston

77050

4812 Bennington Street 6105 East Mount Houston Road 10725 Mesa Drive

Houston

77078

11255 Bentley Road

Houston

77093

4000 Kelley Street

Houston

77026

5655 Selinsky Street

Houston

77048

5905 Tidwell Road

Houston

77016

11300 Stancliff Road 15107 Cullen Boulevard 6315 Winkleman Road 13215 High Star Drive 12111 West Bellfort Street 6828 Annunciation Street 3206 North Shepherd Drive

Houston

77099

Houston

77048

Houston

77083

Houston

77083

Stafford

77477

Houston

77016

Houston

77018

812 West 28th Street

Houston

77008

808 Frawley Street

Houston

77009

Houston

77076

Houston

77076

Houston

77056

406 East Rittenhouse Street 406 East Rittenhouse Street 5430 Hidalgo Street 8921 Pagewood Lane 2110 East Crosstimbers Street

Houston

77063

Houston

77093

714 Detering Street

Houston

77007

10220 Shady Lane

Houston

77093

15500 Vandalia Way

Houston

77053

777 North Post Oak Road

Houston

77024

6401 Arnot Street

Houston

77007

Humble

77396

Houston

77061

7534 Old North Belt Drive 6767 Telephone Road 525 Bennington Street

Houston

77022

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

7610 Synott Road

Houston

77083

10900 Gulfdale Drive

Houston

77075

2110 East Crosstimbers Street 525 Bennington Street 11901 West Hardy Road

Houston

77093

Houston

77022

Houston

77076

5525 Kansas Street 708 East Parker Road 6723 Whitefriars Drive 6720 South Haywood Drive 9850 Meadowglen Lane

0379

HCC3

Houston

7402 Homestead Road

77076

HCC3

0815

77018 77091

Houston

0798

0560

Houston Houston

215 Rittenhouse Street

IPSP

HCC2

77091

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

American Legion Post 586

0812

Houston

77072

0071

0299

77016

77028

0795

0560

Houston

Houston

HCC1

HCC2

77401 77093

Houston

HCC1

HCC2

Bellaire Houston

7809 Winship Street

0789

0809

4711 Kelley Street

Zip

7720 Boone Road

0795

0811

4301 Weaver Road 2516 Paul Quinn Street 1520 Candlelight Lane 513 West Rittenhouse Road

City

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center Garden Villas Park Community Center Sunset Shadows Apartments Clubhouse Treasure Forest Elementary School Scroggins Elementary School Scroggins Elementary School Garden Villas Park Community Center Saint Francis of Assisi Church Garden Villas Park Community Center Alcott Elementary School Garden Villas Park Community Center Braeburn Elementary School

Houston

77007

Houston

77060

Houston

77087

Houston

77061

Houston

77042

7635 Amelia Road

Houston

77055

400 Boyles Street

Houston

77020

400 Boyles Street

Houston

77020

6720 South Haywood Drive

Houston

77061

5102 Dabney Street 6720 South Haywood Drive 5859 Bellfort Street 6720 South Haywood Drive 7707 Rampart Street

Houston

77026

Houston

77061

Houston

77033

Houston

77061

Houston

77081

Combos

0151

0927, 0974

0261, 0683

0775

0943

0909, 0910, 1049

14

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

Precinct

ColS M

Vote s In

0831

HCC3

0134

0832

HCC2

0150

0835

HCC5

0335

0836

HCC5

0008

Location

0837

HCC5

0540

0839

HCC5

0839

Garden Villas Park Community Center Faith Christian Center Braeburn Elementary School McNamara Elementary School Judson Robinson Junior Community Center Alanza Brook Apartments

0849

HCC3

0849

Mountain Top Ministries

0850

HCC3

0275

0854

HCC2

0854

0856

HCC2

0009

0865

HCC2

0161

Glenbrook United Methodist Church Tuffly Park Recreation Center Settegast Park Community Center Julia C Hester House Houston Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trade

0871

HCC3

0343

0895

HCC5

0895

Poe Elementary School Poe Elementary School Payne Chapel A M E Church

defendernetwork.com Address

Houston

77061

Houston

77078

7707 Rampart Street

Houston

8714 McAvoy Drive

Houston

77020

2704 Sutherland Street

Houston

77023

5100 Hazard Street

Houston

77098

0906

HCC5

0087

3756 University Boulevard

0909

HCC1

0787

West University Elementary School Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Bruce Elementary School Garden Oaks Baptist Church Wheatley Senior High School Roderick Paige Elementary School William S Sutton Elementary School The Forum at Memorial Woods Multi Purpose Room

215 Rittenhouse Street

0938

HCC5

0256

0943 0945

HCC1 HCC3

0730 0203

0946

HCC3

0203

0953

HCC2

0322

0954

HCC2

0322

0956

HCC5

0232

Juan Sequin Elementary School Juan Sequin Elementary School Laguna Townhomes Clubhouse Laguna Townhomes Clubhouse Pershing Middle School Houston Community College Alief Center Wainwright Elementary School Garden Oaks Baptist Church

0971

HCC7

0428

0973

HCC1

0505

0974

HCC1

0663

0975

HCC2

0450

Josie Ruth Smith Academy

0984

HCC7

0984

Holub Middle School

0989

HCC1

0448

0990

HCC5

0311

1000

HCC7

0429

1001

HCC7

1001

1004

HCC1

0505

Black Middle School Ed White Elementary School Mildred Rickard Landis Elementary School Youngblood Intermediate School Wainwright Elementary School Cullen Missionary Baptist Church Oak Forest Elementary School Glenbrook United Methodist Church J P Cornelius Elementary School Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Our Redeemer Lutheran Church J C Mitchell Elementary School Lazybrook Baptist Church

1010

HCC3

0402

1024

HCC1

0189

1039

HCC3

0275

1046

HCC3

0285

1048

HCC1

0326

1049

HCC1

0787

1050

HCC3

1058

1051

HCC2

0204

1054

HCC5

0839

1058

HCC3

1058

Alanza Brook Apartments J C Mitchell Elementary School

2033

Houston

812 West 28th Street

0930

HCC7

2020 Solo Street

520 Mercury Street

HCC2

2091

77003

Furr Senior High School

0930

2033

Houston

0905

0202

HCC7

3000 Garrow Street

HCC2

HCC2

2090

77026

0905

0929

2050

Houston

Energy Institute High School

0663

HCC7

3200 Russell Street

0086

HCC1

2089

77061

HCC1

0927

77074

Houston

0903

0787

Stafford Civic Center

8635 Glen Valley Drive

Sinclair Elementary School

0159

2088

77075

0902

HCC1

HCC7

Houston

HCC1

HCC2

2088

77004

0902

1054

0186

0040, 0896

2033 2050

ColS M HCC7 HCC7

Vote s In 2033 2050

2059

HCC7

2059

2060

HCC7

2060

2061 2070 2075

HCC7 HCC7 HCC7

2061 2070 2059

Location Lantern Lane Elementary School Hunters Glen Elementary School Missouri City Community Center

HCC7

2077

Glover Elementary School

2088

Stafford Civic Center

77459

Stafford

77477

2092

HCC7

2092

Meadowcreek Clubhouse

2410 LaQuinta Dr.

2093

HCC7

2092

Meadowcreek Clubhouse

2410 LaQuinta Dr.

2096

HCC7

2096

Meadows Place City Hall

One Troyan Dr.

2108

HCC7

2061

Elkins High School

2112

HCC7

2088

Stafford Civic Center

2115

HCC7

2033

2136

HCC7

2033

7007 Knights Ct.

Lantern Lane Elementary School Lantern Lane Elementary School Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

77098

2137

HCC7

2060

6410 Grovewood Lane

Houston

77008

2138

HCC7

2060

Houston

77008

2139

HCC7

2060

Houston

77013

3069

HCC7

3069

Houston

77005

4028

HCC7

4028

Houston

77076

4030

HCC7

4030

Quail Valley Middle School

3019 FM 1092

215 Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

510 Jensen Drive 3206 North Shepherd Drive

Houston

77020

Houston

77018

4801 Providence Street

Houston

77020

7501 Curry Road

Houston

77093

7402 Albacore Drive

Houston

77074

777 North Post Oak Road

Houston

77024

Missouri City Missouri City Missouri City Missouri City Missouri City Meadows Place Missouri City

1415 Constitution Ave. 3323 Mission Valley Dr. 3323 Mission Valley Dr.

77026

77459

77459 77459

77477 77459

Stafford

77477

Missouri City Missouri City

77459 77459

Stafford

77477

Stafford

77477

631 Avenue E

Stafford

77477

Sugar Creek Country Club

420 Sugar Creek Blvd.

Quail Valley Elementary School

3500 Quail Village

Sugar Land Missouri City Missouri City Missouri City Missouri City Sugar Land Missouri City

4049

HCC7

4127

HCC7

4062

Palmer Elementary School

2335 Dulles Ave. 4208 Crow Valley Dr. 4400 Austin Parkway

77478 77459 77459 77459 77459

Austin Parkway Elementary School Lexington Creek Elemen4127 HCC7 4127 2335 Dulles Ave. tary School EXHIBIT B EARLY VOTING INFORMATION November 5, 2013 Election - Early Voting Locations Harris County Early Voting Locations 4065

HCC7

4065

Location

Address

2093

77459

631 Avenue E

4062

2078, 2112

77459

631 Avenue E

Lexington Creek Elementary School

Combos

77479 77459

4049

City

Zip

Harris County Administration Building

1001 Preston, 1st Floor

Houston

77002

Holy Name Catholic Church/Gym Kashmere Multi-Services Center

1912 Marion St. 4802 Lockwood Dr.

Houston Houston

77009 77026

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

5905 Waltrip Street

Houston

77087

Ripley House

4410 Navigation Blvd.

Houston

77011

5911 Sunforest Drive

Houston

77092

H.C.C.S. Southeast College, Learning Hub

6815 Rustic, Bldg. D

Houston

77087

5911 Sunforest Drive

Houston

77092

Justice of the Peace/Constable Entry Fiesta Mart, Inc.

5300 Griggs Rd. 8130 Kirby

Houston Houston

77021 77054

3838 Bluebonnet Boulevard

Houston

77053

1475 W. Gray

Houston

77019

13803 Bissonnet Street

Houston

77083

Metropolitan Multi-Services Center Harris County Public Health Environmental Services Northeast Multi-Service Center

2223 W. Loop South

Houston

77027

9720 Spaulding St., Bldg. #4

Houston

77016

5330 Milwee Street

Houston

77092

Galena Park Library

1500 Keene St.

Galena Park

77547

Houston

77018

I.B.E.W. Hall #66 Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center

4345 Allen Genoa Rd. 4605 Wilmington

Pasadena Houston

77504 77051

Houston

77091

3206 North Shepherd Drive 5815 West Little York Road 9515 South Dairy Ashford Street 1575 Chantilly Lane

Houston

77099

Houston

77018

9001 Triola Lane

Houston

77036

10255 Spice Lane

Houston

77072

8410 Dairy View Lane

Houston

77072

0488

Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center

3810 W. Fuqua

Houston

77045

Bayland Park Community Center Tracy Gee Community Center

6400 Bissonnet 3599 Westcenter Dr.

Houston Houston

77074 77042

Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center

1414 Wirt Road

Houston

77055

Lone Star College - Victory Center*

4141 Victory Dr.

Houston

77088

Acres Home Multi-Services Center Hardy Senior Center

6719 W. Montgomery 11901 W. Hardy Rd.

Houston Houston

77091 77076

Octavia Fields Branch Library

1503 S. Houston Ave.

Humble

77338

Kingwood Branch Library Northeast Houston Baptist Church*

4400 Bens View Lane 18000 W. Lake Houston Pkwy.

Kingwood Humble

77345 77346

5330 Milwee Street

Houston

77092

13233 Cullen Boulevard

Houston

77047

1401 West 43rd Street

Houston

77018

Harris County Courthouse Annex #25

7330 Spencer Hwy.

Pasadena

77505

8635 Glen Valley Drive

Houston

77061

Freeman Branch Library

16616 Diana Lane

Houston

77062

7475 Westover Street

Houston

77087

Hennington-Alief Regional Library Glen Cheek Education Building

7979 S. Kirkwood 16002 Westheimer Pkwy.

Houston Houston

77072 77082

215 Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

215 Rittenhouse Street

Houston

77076

10900 Gulfdale Drive

Houston

77075

1822 West 18th Street

Houston

77008

3030 Dunvale Street

Houston

77063

10900 Gulfdale Drive

Houston

77075

City

3323 Mission Valley Dr.

Missouri City

695 Independence Blvd.

1522 Texas Parkway

10141 Cash Rd. 1522 Texas Parkway 1510 Columbia Blue Dr. 1415 Constitution Ave.

Crosby ISD Administration Building

706 Runneburg Rd.

Crosby

77532

North Channel Branch Library Baytown Community Center

15741 Wallisville Rd. 2407 Market St.

Houston Baytown

77049 77520

Nottingham Park

926 Country Place Dr.

Houston

77079

Franz Road Storefront Bear Creek Park Community Center

19818 Franz Rd. 3055 Bear Creek Dr.

Katy Houston

77449 77084

Dates and Times of Early Voting in Harris County Monday - Friday, October 21 –25: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 26: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 27: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday, October 28 –November 1: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

0774, 1050

Fort Bend County Early Voting Locations Location

Address

7007 Knights Ct.

HCC7

Missouri City

Houston

Elkins High School

2077

Zip

1522 Texas Parkway 1415 Constitution Ave. 695 Independence Blvd.

3323 Mission Valley Dr. 3323 Mission Valley Dr.

Houston

631 Avenue E

2078

City

5100 Hazard Street

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

Houston Community College Missouri City Community Center

Hunters Glen Elementary School Lantern Lane Elementary School Lantern Lane Elementary School

Address

2701 Lee Street

Fort Bend County Polling Places Precinct

Location

77081

77063

0895

Vote s In 2059

Houston

0047

ColSM HCC7

Houston

HCC5

EXHIBIT A PAGE 3

Precinct 2081

2020 Hermann Drive

HCC2

Combos

Missouri City Community Center

3030 Dunvale Street 8420 Almeda Genoa Road

0896

0910

Zip

6720 South Haywood Drive 10118 Tidwell Road

0900

0924

City

Missouri City Missouri City Stafford

Zip 77459 77459 77459 77477

Missouri City

77459

Stafford

77477

Missouri City Missouri City Stafford

77459 77489 77477

Combos 2090, 2091, 2115, 2136 2089 2075, 2081 2137, 2138, 2139 2108

Address

City

Zip

Rosenberg Annex Building

4520 Reading Rd.

Rosenberg

77471

Beasley City Hall

319 S. 3rd Street

Beasley

77469

Cinco Ranch Branch Library

2620 Commercial Center Blvd.

Katy

77494

Irene Stern Community Center

6920 Fulshear-Katy Rd.

Fulshear

77441

Four Corners Community Center

15700 Old Richmond Rd.

Sugar Land

77478

Hightower High School

3333 Hurricane Lane

Missouri City

77459

Meadows Place City Hall

One Troyan Dr.

Meadows Place

77477

Missouri City Community Center

1522 Texas Pkwy.

Missouri City

77489

Chasewood Clubhouse

7522 Chasewood Dr.

Missouri City

77489

First Colony Conference Center

3232 Austin Pkwy.

Sugar Land

77479

Sienna Branch Library

8411 Sienna Springs Blvd.

Missouri City

77459

FBC Road & Bridge (Needville)

3743 School St.

Needville

77461

Sugar Land Branch Library

550 Eldridge

Sugar Land

77478

Randall's

5800 New Territory Blvd.

Sugar Land

77479

Harmony Science Academy

22400 Grand Corner Dr.

Katy

77494

Lost Creek Park

3703 Lost Creek Blvd.

Sugar Land

77479

Sugar Land City Hall

2700 Town Center Blvd. North

Sugar Land

77479

Dates & Hours Monday - Saturday, October 21 - 26: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 27: Closed Monday -Wednesday, October 28-30: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday - Friday, October 31November. 1: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Monday - Friday, October 21 25: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 26: 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 27: Closed Monday-Wednesday, October 28 - 30: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday - Friday, October 31November 1: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

defendernetwork.com

OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

15

classified Are you HIV+?

At least 18 years old? Has it been more than 12 months since you've seen a doctor for HIV? If so, you may be eligible for a confidential HIV survey & earn an incentive for your time. For information or to complete the survey, call: (713) 572-3729 M-F, 8am-4pm. Survey ends 10/31/13.

LEGAL NOTICE Neighborhood Centers Inc. (AGENCY), a non-profit human services organization, announces a Request for Proposal (RFP) #13-13 for Vehicle Rental Services. Interested Vendors can submit a proposal for (RFP) #13-13 for Vehicle Rental Services. The deadline for submitting a proposal is November 25, 2013 by 12:00 PM (CST)*. To receive RFP #13-13, e-mail RFP #13-13, email Ashia Brown, Supply Chain Manager, at abrown@neighborhood-centers.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS INC. ENCOURAGES SMALL AND HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES TO APPLY.

MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY will be accepting Request for Proposal for the following:

Enterprise Level Analytics Platform for Healthcare

Buying power..Continued from page 11 compared to the total market.

In fact, 46 percent of Black households shop at beauty supply stores and have an average annual total spend of $94 on products at these stores.

Among other edible and non-edible products, the report shows that on average, African- Americans also purchase more unprepared meat and frozen seafood, dry vegetables and grains, refrigerated juices and drinks (in addition to those that nonperishable and can have an extended shelf life), feminine hygiene products, fresheners and deodorizers. And, that’s just a few of the categories that we tend to over-index.

On the other hand, the insights show that we spend less money on the range of dairy products (milk, yogurt, etc.) on the edible side and this could be because many of us are lactose-intolerant; and categories like hair care, some magazines with selected titles, plus lawn and garden products round out the nonedible list.

African-Americans are brand loyal consumers, but like other consumer groups we enjoy value (e.g. better per-item pricing) and spend 18 percent of our retail dollars on private label brands.

You know – the store brands.

I am always fascinated by how varied different groups’ preferences tend to be.

For instance, in the private label category, disposable diapers rank as the most popular item for us; but they rank fifth on the store brand list of white non-Hispanics.

Again, this is an opportunity for marketers who are paying attention.

If you would like to learn more, I invite you to visit our website at www.nielsen.

Fast food favorites

What are African-American preferences for fast food or quick service restaurants (QSRs)? Here are the top five Black household QSRs in comparison to other U.S. households during the last three months.

1. McDonald’s (65% vs. 60%) 2. Burger King (44% vs. 36%) 3. Subway (43% vs. 40%) 4. KFC (37% vs. 26%) 5. Wendy’s (36% vs. 30%) com for the full report.

I would love to hear from you so we can keep the conversation going. So, hit us up on Twitter or Face-

book. In the meantime, remember how powerfully relevant you are with every consumer choice you make.

EXHIBIT B CONT’D EARLY VOTING INFORMATION November 5, 2013 Election - Early Voting Locations Fort Bend County Early Voting Locations Location

Address

City

Zip

Dates & Hours Monday - Friday, October. 21 - 25: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 26: 7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.

Pecan Grove Church

Baptist

Sunday, October 27: Closed

1727 FM 359

Richmond

77406

Monday-Wednesday, October 28 - 30: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 31: 7:00 a.m. -5:00 .pm.

Friday, November 1: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Specifications may be secured from MHMRA, Harris County, Purchasing Department located at 7011 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 in Houston, Texas 77074, telephone (713) 970-7300 and/or via MHMRA website www.mhmraharris.org beginning Monday, October 21, 2013.

Deadline for prospective vendors to submit questions to this RFP is Monday, October 28, 2013. Proposals must be submitted to Purchasing Services, 7011 SW Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074 by 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 7, 2013 in a sealed envelope marked "PROPOSAL - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2013, Enterprise Level Analytics Platform for Healthcare”. Any questions pertaining to this solicitation should be addressed in writing to Sharon Brauner, C.P.M., Buyer III, via fax at (713) 970-7682 or E-mail questions to sharon.brauner@mhmraharris.org cc: nina.cook@mhmraharris.org. MHMRA reserves all rights to reject any and/or all proposals, to waive formalities and reasonable irregularities in submitted documents as it deems to be in its best interests , and is not obligated to accept the lowest proposal.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

NORTH HOUSTON HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, will hold public meetings for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project. The project limits are from the interchange of US 59 and SH 288 to the interchange of I45 and Beltway 8 North. The study area includes portions of I-10, US 59, and SH 288 near downtown Houston; Hardy Toll Road from north of downtown Houston to Beltway 8 (BW 8) North; and I-610 and BW 8 North between I-45 and Hardy Toll Road.

TxDOT is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, to analyze potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to the human and natural environment that may occur from the construction and operation of proposed transportation improvements in the project area.

Two identical public meetings will be held as follows: Nov. 14, 2013 at Aldine Ninth Grade School, 10650 North Freeway, Houston, TX; and Nov. 19, 2013 at Jefferson Davis High School, 1101 Quitman St., Houston, TX. The meetings will be held in an open house format from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The purpose of the public meetings is to present information about, and receive public feedback on, reasonable alternatives for highway improvements in the North Houston corridor; the alternatives evaluation process; and how community feedback has been incorporated in the planning process.

A short video regarding the project can be viewed during the meeting.

Maps of the study area and exhibits showing reasonable alternatives and the study process will be on display. Project team members will be available to answer questions. The same information will be presented at both meetings. After the meetings, the information presented will be available for review and reproduction on the project website www.IH45NorthandMore.com; and at the TxDOT Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays.

Meeting materials will be in English, with some materials also in Spanish. Spanish-speaking project team members will be available to talk with Spanish-speaking attendees. Persons interested in attending the meeting who have special communication or accommodation needs are encouraged to contact TxDOT’s District Public Information Office at (713) 802-5072 by Nov. 12, 2013. TxDOT will make every reasonable effort to accommodate special needs. For more information, visit www.IH45NorthandMore.com.

Written comments regarding the project will be accepted at the meetings; on the project website www.IH45NorthandMore.com; by mail to Director of Project Development, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386; and by email to HOUpiowebmail@txdot.gov. Comments received or postmarked by Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 will be included in the public meeting record.

16

DEFENDER | OCTOBER 17 | 2013

defendernetwork.com

sports

Texas A&M’s Evans big-time playmaker

T

Mike Evans

By MAX EDISON Defender

he Texas A&M University offense is explosive, and that’s exactly the way head coach Kevin Sumlin and offensive coordinator Clarence McKinney planned it.

With Heisman trophy winning QB Johnny Manziel at the helm, the offense at times seems almost unstoppable, putting up big numbers on every opponent.

A key component to the Aggie’s high-octane offense is the play of wide receiver Mike Evans, one of the nation’s premier playmakers at the position.

Evans (redshirt sophomore), a Galveston native, is a 6-foot-5, 225-pound nightmare for opposing defensive backs. An All-SEC selection as a freshman, he led the potent Aggie offense with 82 (second in Aggie history) catches for 1,105 yards (13.5 average), both freshman records.

As impressive as Evan’s statistics were last season, McKinney feels he is merely scratching the surface.

“I think the sky’s the limit for him. He’s really starting to learn the position,” McKinney said. “From a talent standpoint, the talent is there. It’s just understanding the little things of playing receiver. He’s getting better each week.”

An example of how rapidly Evans is improving was his play against No. 1 ranked Alabama earlier this season. Against one of the nation’s top secondaries, he had 7 catches for 279 yards and one touchdown.

Not only is Mike Evans good for the Aggie aerial show, he’s also is a valuable commodity in the running game.

“You look at some of the situations where basically he was doubled, and we were able to run the ball effectively because of that,” Sumlin said. “We were able to run the ball because of some of the things he created schematically.”

So far this season through six games, Evans has caught 32 passes for 737 yards an astounding average of 122 yards per game. This type of production comes from a guy who only played one year of high school football.

“I played football as a kid, but I didn’t play in high school until my senior year,” Evans said. “I had a good year and wound signing to come to A&M.”

Wide receiver Evans is one of the premier players at his position.

At 6-feet-5, Evans draws comparisons to the Falcons Julio Jones or the Lions Calvin Johnson, great players in their own right, but not the guys Mike Evans patterns his game after.

“Growing up I was a big fan of Randy Moss,” he said. “As a player I think my game is similar to Brandon Marshall [Bears].

I like to be an aggressive, physical type of player. In the SEC a lot of teams play press coverage. They try to jam you at the line. Most of them have figured out that doesn’t

work well with me, now they are playing off me more.”

In order to excel in the Aggie passing attack you’ve got to be in sync with sensational Johnny Football, something Evans has been able to do on and off the field.

“I was his favorite receiver last year and it’s carried over to this season,” Evans said. “He’s a great player. He’s actually one of my best friends.”

Manziel is a huge supporter of his king-sized wide out.

“Mike Evans is the best receiver in college football,” Manziel said. “I see him everyday. I see how he works against defenders, and it’s just amazing. A big guy like him who gives his all every game.”

Senior DB Toney Hurd admires Evan’s work ethic and desire to get better.

“Ever since he’s been here, he’s been a hard-working guy,” Hurd said. “He works at his craft. I feel that it helps us as a secondary because we get to go against some of the best receivers every day in practice.”

The Aggies are ranked No. 7 in the national polls with a 5-1 record. They are in the thick of the race for the SEC crown and a bid at a national championship. As they progress into the second half of their schedule, count on Mike Evans giving conference defensive backs a bad case of insomnia.

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Hightower’s Alexander plays for right reasons nis said. “If he’s hurt, he won’t tell anybody. He’s just a fighter.”

Alexander is striving to get the 2013 Hightower varsity football squad to the same level as the

Bralon Addison-led Hurricanes in 2011. hamal Alexander is playing footAlexander was a sophomore backup on ball for all the right reasons. that team that advanced to the Class A two-year starter 5A Division I state title game against at right guard for the Southlake Carroll.

Hightower Hurricanes, “That’s been my best memory Alexander doesn’t harbor aspirations in football,” Alexander said. “The of one day playing in the National state experience was a lot of fun.

Football League. The Touchdown Staying overnight and stuff, I want to Club of Houston high school ofgo back so bad.” fensive lineman of the year nominee Meanwhile, the senior who began has no guarantee that he’ll even play playing football in Little League and football on the collegiate level. at Lake Olympia Middle School before Yet all that’s fine with the 5-foot-10, arriving at Hightower, is constantly honing 320-pound team captain who has helped his craft on the football field. Following the CleCoach Padriac McGinnis Hightower win its first three District ments victory, Alexander 23-5A games going into the had mixed feelings. showdown (Oct. 19) with “We had a good Fort Bend ISD rival Elkins game but we could have for Padriac McGinnis’ thoughts on taking over the program. at Hall Stadium. played way better,” he “I’ve learned how said. “We had too many to work hard and how to be responsible from playing football,” penalties on offense and the last drive of the game was terrible.

Alexander said, moments after the Hurricanes celebrated a 44-14 That made the game end on a bad note. homecoming victory over Clements to improve to 4-2 on the “The good thing is we have some things to improve on and season. “It’s taught me lessons for life, that even if I don’t play work out in the future. We believe in ourselves. ” football in college, I can apply to other things.

“I wanted football to help me learn and grow as a person,” Alexander said. “I never planned to play football long enough to reach pro ball anyway.”

Hightower head coach Padriac McGinnis calls Birth date:July 3, 1996 Alexander the “quiet storm.”

“During the course of a game, you might not Birth sign: Cancer see the way that Shamal is dominating his position,” Favorite color : Orange McGinnis said. “Once we get in the film room on Favorite book: Sundays, we get to see how good “The Hunger Games” he is.

Favorite movie : “The college coach“Man of Steel” es come in and say he doesn’t have the height Favorite meal: to play the offensive line Hamburger & fries in college,” McGinnis Favorite subject in school: said. “I tell them if they Physics will take a chance, he’ll Possible college major: be a great offensive lineComputer science man for them.

“Shamal is a great Possible career: kid. He’s got a 3.6 Computer game design grade-point average.

Favorite pro athlete: He makes all the Texans OL Duane Brown decisions on the o-line for us and if there’s a problem, he’s just too Shamal Alexander quiet. He needs to talk more,” McGin-

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About Shamal Alexander

Elkins, Hightower battle Both Elkins and Hightower are 3-0 in District 23-5A and square off Oct. 19 harboring playoff aspirations. Hightower is coming off a 44-14 victory over Clements and running back Roosevelt Appleton rushed for 76 yards and touchdown runs of two and 49 yards. Elpressey Pleasant added 66 rushing yards and TD runs of two and one yards. Sophomore quarterback Neiko Hollins threw touchdown passes of 23 and 65 yards to Jaydrian Lee and Michael Landry, respectively. Elkins overcame a 14-0 deficit to Dulles by scoring 24 unanswered points in the second quarter. Quarterback Jonathan Giles tossed TD passes of 54, 35 and 17 yards to receiver Darron Ardoin in the second stanza to give the Knights a 24-14 edge at intermission. Giles finished the game with five TD passes as he connected in the second half with Xavier Barnes from 41 yards out and eight yards to Darren Woods.

Yates, Furr vie for playoffs It is fairly certain that Worthing, Furr, Yates and Kashmere will notch the four postseason berths up for grabs in District 23-3A. Worthing and Furr have yet to lose a district contest and may play for the district championship on the last week of the regular season (Nov. 9) at Butler Stadium. Worthing dealt Yates its first district setback (30-19) while Furr handed Kashmere its second district loss (30-28) as Stacy Piro caught a 40-yard TD pass from Avery Davis with less than two minutes to play in regulation. Furr and Yates will meet Oct. 18 at Barnett Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Texans upset with fans When things go bad for the Texans, they go bad in a hurry. In the wake of the team’s fourth consecutive loss, a disgusting 38-13 loss to the St. Louis Rams, embattled quarterback Matt Schaub suffered an ankle injury that forced him out of the game late in the third quarter. While Schaub was lying on the turf and a few minutes later as he was being escorted to the sidelines, a few insensitive, frustrated fans cheered. It was a tasteless move that the players did not appreciate. “It just shows no class,” wide out Andre Johnson said. “For them to cheer about something like that, it just shows they have no class.

You don’t cheer about anyone being injured. I don’t care who it is.”

Gymnast Biles shines Congratulations go out to Spring resident Simone Biles. The 16-year-old recently captured the title of the world’s best gymnast by winning the all-around competition at the World Gymnastic Championship in Antwerp, Belgium. Biles prevailed over a field of competitors loaded with Olympic caliber talent. “It feels pretty good,” Biles said. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I know what I’ve done is a big accomplishment.”

For all her hard work and intense training, Biles takes a simple approach that predictably could only come from a 16-year-old. “On floor, I just have a lot of fun,” Biles said. “That is the main key.”

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

The NAACP Houston Branch Cordially invites you to attend The 95th Annual

Freedom Fund Awards Gala Friday, October 25, 2013

Anthony Chase, CEO ChaseCom

Charles McClelland, Houston Police Chief

Adrian Garcia, Harris County Sheriff

Taft L. Foley, II, Attorney, The Foley Law Firm

Hilton-Americas, Houston 1600 Lamar Houston, TX 77010 6:00PM -Silent Auction | 7:00PM - Program & Dinner Cocktail Attire . Valet or Self-parking

Tickets

$150

Per Person

713.526.3389 | Naacphouston.org

OCTOBER 17 | 2013 | DEFENDER

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chag’splace

For Event Coverage...visit

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Adams, William Reese, Dr. Teriya Richmond, Dr. DIABETES AWARENESS…..The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) Chandra Higginbotham, Dr. Sharonda Alston established a new initiative titled, Diabetes Awareness Taylor and Dr. Celeste Palmer, to name a few.

Continued success!.....ENTREPRENEURIAL Wellness Network (DAWN) Center located in EXCELLENCE…..The Greater the Third Ward Multi-Service Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) Center. The DAWN center Join Yvette Chargois celebrated entrepreneurial excellence offers a wellness programs for Events of the Week at its 19th Annual Pinnacle Awards adults diagnosed with and at risk More photos on defendernetwork.com Ceremony. The event was held at for diabetes, at no cost to the See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads the Power Center and founder and participant. Physicians of the with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. chairperson of Radio One, Inc., Dr. Mary Susan Moore Society Cathy Hughes was the keynote and other medical professionals attended a networking luncheon recently. Dr. Ronald speaker and received the Lifetime Achievement award. GHBC honored several community leaders, Parris, Parris Pain Center, was the guest speaker entrepreneurs and visionaries in various categories. and delivered a speech on diabetic neuropathy This year’s awards was presented to La Tanya and pain management testing. Other speakers Walker, A. Renee’ Logans, Esther Francis, Lucious included Melanie Gilmore, health planning chief Barnum, Jamal Thompson, Roosevelt Petru Jr., with HDHHA, Brian Bartholomew, business Keith J. Davis, Darryl King and Dr. Annette Cluff. development manager with Critical Care Assessment Kudos to GHBC board chair William Traylor, and Brian Smith, senior counselor with DAWN. Attendees included Angelique Bartholomew, Ursula GHBC president/CEO Eric Lyons, event chairs Bob

Mackay and Carla Lane and the entire membership for a successful event. Congrats!.....PINK ANGEL CELEBRATION…..Sisters Network, Inc., founded

by Karen E. Jackson in 1994, is a leading voice and the only national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. The organization recently hosted its Pink Angel Celebration Luncheon & Style Show benefiting their breast cancer assistance program. This year’s honorees included Dr. Camille Cash, Keith Davis, Dorothy Gibbons, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Mark Schusterman, Cheryl Turner, First Lady Sheretta West, Christine Verini and Merele Yarborough. The event was held at the Westin Galleria Hotel and attended by several hundred folks.

We salute Karen E. Jackson, luncheon chairs Alvia and Dr. Jason Few, Erie Calloway, Kelly Hodges and the entire organization for their dedication to the survivors of breast cancer. God bless and keep up the good work!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

Angelique Bartholomew, Brian Smith and Melanie Gilmore

Brian Bartholomew and Dr. Ronald Parris

Dr. Chandra Higginbotham and Dr. Teriya Richmond

Pinnacle awards co-chairs Bob Mackay and Carla Lane

Deon and Pinnacle award winner Niles Dillard

Founder of Radio One, Inc. Cathy Hughes and Dr. Frazier Wilson

Karen E. Jackson and luncheon chairs Dr. Jason and Arvia Few

Founder & CEO Karen E. Jackson and Caleen Allen

Bertie Ford and Erie Calloway

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