Houston Defender: October 18, 2012

IN MEMORIAM

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VETERAN STATE SENATOR MARIO GALLEGOS DIES AT AGE 62 6A

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

Volume 81 | Number 51

OCTOBER 18, 2012 |FREE

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NATIONAL PRESIDENT OBAMA debates for second time

P4A BUSINESS OPINION

CHERYL PEARSONMcNEIL

says voters have power

P10A SPORTS

LEMONT WILLIAMS

Higher Ed

Dollars & Sense for college students H Page 6B

Covers sports for Comcast

P14A CHAG’S PLACE

Early voting

Condola Rashad

Election Day is less than three weeks away, and residents who want to avoid long lines can cast their votes early. Find out when it begins and ends in Harris County. Learn the truth about the kind of identification you will need to cast your vote. Discover what to do if you’re unsure about your polling place.

At age 25, Condola Rashad is making a name for herself as a stage and screen actress. She’s also following in the footsteps of her famous mother.

Hear what she has to say about appearing with her mom for the first time. See what others in the business think of her talent. Find out about her Houston connection.

starts soon

Cathy Hughes at News 92FM reception

P16A

follows suit

H Page 3A

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

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

What to do t his weekend

Color blind?

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

The race debate has been prominent since Barack Obama stepped into the presidential arena. But are Blacks really voting for the president because of the color of his skin? The story at defendernetwork.com

The real Hollywood exes

Book TALK Is Nicki Minaj for real or all show? Author Lynette Holloway explores that question in her new book, Nicki Minaj: The Woman Who Stole the World. The unauthorized biography takes a look at the young girl who grew up in New York City with the drive, discipline and determination to make this world and this moment all hers, “For life!”

More at www.defendernetwork.com.

Diddy and girlfriend

They’re the women behind some of Hollywood’s biggest superstars. Women that were there from the beginning, but didn’t stick around. Check out the real-life Hollywood exes at defendernetwork.com.

Prairie View A&M University’s homecoming festivities include a parade on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9:15 a.m. at L.W. Minor Street.

Later that day PV plays Alcorn State at 2:30 p.m.

See more on: defendernetwork.com November 6, 2012 General and Special Elections Early Voting Schedule Harris County, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, City of Houston, City of Baytown, City of League City, Houston Community College System, Channelview ISD, Crosby ISD, Cypress Fairbanks ISD, Houston ISD, Huffman ISD, Klein ISD, New Caney ISD, North Forest ISD, Sheldon ISD, Spring ISD, Harris County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1-A, Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 127, Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 148, Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 179, Northampton Municipal Utility District, Harris County Water Control & Improvement District No. 89, Emergency Services District No. 200.

Early Voting Hours of Operation October 22 - October 26: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

October 27: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

October 28: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

October 29 - November 2: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Inside Loop 610 1. Main Office: 2. Downtown-North (*): 3. Kashmere: 4. Downtown-East: 5. Southeast Houston: 6. Palm Center: 7. Astrodome Area: 8. Neartown: 9.

Galleria:

Harris County Administration Bldg.

1001 Preston, 1st Floor, 77002 Holy Name Catholic Church/Gym 1912 Marion St., 77009 Kashmere Multi-Services Center 4802 Lockwood Dr., 77026 Ripley House 4410 Navigation Blvd., 77011 H.C.C.S. Southeast College, Learning Hub 6815 Rustic, Bldg. D, 77087 Justice of the Peace/Constable Entry 5300 Griggs Road, 77021 Fiesta Mart, Inc. 8130 Kirby Drive, 77054 Metropolitan Multi-Services Center 1475 W. Gray, 77019 Harris County Public Health Environmental Services 2223 West Loop South, 77027

Outside Loop 610 10. Northeast Houston: 11. Galena Park (*): 12. Hobby Area: 13. Sunnyside: 14. S. Houston Area(*): 15. SW. Houston: 16. Near West Side: 17. Spring Branch: 18. Acres Homes: 19. North:

(*) Indicates New Location

Outside Beltway 8 20. Humble: 21. Kingwood:

Northeast Multi-Service Center 9720 Spaulding St., Bldg #4, 77016 Galena Park Library 1500 Keene St., Galena Park, 77547 I.B.E.W. Hall #66 4345 Allen Genoa Road, Pasadena, 77504 Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center 4605 Wilmington, 77051 Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center 3810 W. Fuqua, 77045 Bayland Park Community Center 6400 Bissonnet (near Hillcroft), 77074 Tracy Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive, 77042 (One block East of Sam Houston Tollway) Trini Mendenhall Sosa Comm. Center 1414 Wirt Road, 77055 Acres Homes Multi-Services Center 6719 W. Montgomery Road, 77091 Hardy Senior Center 11901 West Hardy Road, 77076

22. Wallisville Road: 23. Baytown: 24. Pasadena: 25. Clear Lake: 26. Alief: 27. Far W. Houston: 28. Far West/Katy:

Octavia Fields Branch Library 1503 South Houston Ave., Humble, 77338 Kingwood Branch Library 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood, 77345 North Channel Branch Library 15741 Wallisville Road, 77049 Baytown Community Center 2407 Market Street, Baytown, 77520 Harris County Courthouse Annex #25 7330 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, 77505 Freeman Branch Library 16616 Diana Lane, 77062 Henington-Alief Regional Library 7979 South Kirkwood, 77072 Nottingham Park 926 Country Place Dr., 77079 Franz Road Storefront 19818 Franz Road, Katy, 77449

HARRIS COUNTY For more information:

29. Bear Creek: 30. Jersey Village: 31. Tomball: 32. Cypress Creek: 33. Far North: 34. Cypress: 35. George Bush Park: 36. Lone Star College: 37. Crosby:

Bear Creek Park Community Center 3055 Bear Creek Dr. at Patterson Rd., 77084 City of Jersey Village-City Hall 16327 Lakeview Drive, Jersey Village, 77040 Tomball Public Works Building 501B James St., Tomball, 77375 Champion Forest Baptist Church/Multi-Purpose Bldg.

4840 Strack Road, 77069 Champion Life Centre 3031 FM 2920 Road, Spring, 77388 Cypress Top Park 26026 Hempstead Highway, Cypress, 77429 Glen Cheek Education Building 16002 Westheimer Parkway, 77082 University Park - Visitors Center 20515 State Hwy 249, 77070 Crosby ISD Administration Building 706 Runneburg Road, Crosby, 77532

STAN STANART Harris County Clerk

www.harrisvotes.com - 713.755.6965

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OCTOBER 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

Early voting starts Oct. 22 Defender News Services

Voters who want to avoid the lines on Election Day can take advantage of early voting at 37 Harris County locations.

The dates and times are: Oct. 22- 26, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Oct. 27, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 28, 1 p.m. -6 p.m.; and Oct. 29-Nov. 2, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Texas’ voter ID law remains in limbo, so residents do not have to show certain forms of photo identification to vote. Credentials that may be accepted at the polls are: 1. A voter registration certificate 2. A driver’s license or personal identification card issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety or a similar document issued by an agency of another state, regardless of whether the license or card has expired

3. A form of identification containing the person’s photograph that establishes the person’s identity 4. A birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes the person’s identity 5. United States citizenship papers issued to the person 6. A United States passport issued to the person; 7. Official mail addressed to the person by name from a governmental entity 8. A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter 9. Any other form of identification prescribed by the Secretary of State For more information on Harris County early voting, call 713.755.6965 or visit www.harrisvotes.com.

Where to vote on Nov. 6?

The list of Harris County Election Day polling locations will be made public on Oct. 19.

Voters who wait until Tuesday, Nov. 6, to cast their ballots should visit www.harrisvotes.com or call 713.755.6965 to confirm their voting location before heading to the polls.

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County sued for voting discrimination Defender News Services

LULAC recently filed suit against Harris County in Federal District Court charging that officials wrongly rejected voter applications through discriminatory practices against Latino and African-American applicants.

In the petition, LULAC asserts that among other things: • The changes in voting procedures by Harris County have not been pre-cleared by the U.S. Department of Justice or by the U.S. District Court for D.C. under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. • Harris County has disproportionately higher percentage rates of rejected voter registration applications from minority citizens than from Anglos, resulting in discrimination against African-Americans and Latino citizens in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Continued on Page 7

Texas voters urged to ‘make their mark’ at the polls

By IMANI EVANS The Dallas Examiner

With the presidential election mere weeks away, Texas Secretary of State Esperanza “Hope” Andrade is on a mission to disseminate the most accurate information on voting procedures to concerned Texans, and to lay to rest any fears about irregularities at the polls.

Andrade’s office has stepped up a public awareness blitz titled “Make Your Mark on Texas Through Voting.” The campaign includes voter education, outreach to local election officials and the promotion of a new mobile app that puts the most important voting information in the palms of citizens’ hands.

“When we started the campaign, we wanted to make sure that all the information would be readily available,” Andrade said Secretary of State Hope Andrade about the app, called SmartTXVoter.

The app can be used to schedule reminders for specific voting dates, research voting procedures online and inform voters of their registration status. It is viewable in English and Spanish, and

has already had roughly 4,000 downloads since its launch earlier this month.

Andrade said that local election administrators and community leaders she has visited with have expressed excitement about the election and gratitude for her outreach efforts.

One of Andrade’s main goals is increasing the number of registered voters, and she said that the news on that front looks promising.

“At this time, we’re at 13.5 million registered voters,” Andrade said. “As I travel throughout the state, everyone is saying that they’ve seen an increase in the number of voter registration cards they’ve received, so we’re hoping that by the end of next week that number will have increased.”

Andrade said that she spends a large chunk of her time addressing some of the most common complaints that Texans have about voting, and giving pep talks to voters that she hopes will counter the defeatism and cynicism about the process that some voters may feel.

“We’re trying to bust those myths of ‘It takes too long,’ or ‘My vote doesn’t count,’” Andrade said. “It absolutely does count, and if you do early voting, it won’t take you but a few minutes. So that’s the message that we’re taking out.”

Senate Bill 14, the voter identification law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011 but so far blocked by the federal courts, has been a source of confusion and concern for some voters.

“The simple message is, there is no voter ID, you continue to vote in the same manner that you’ve always voted – that is, by presenting your voter registration card, or for a list of documents you can go on our website,” Andrade said.

Likewise, Andrade believes that the recent controversy surrounding a directive to county voting officials to purge deceased Texans from the voter rolls should not weigh on the minds of voters.

“My responsibility is to make sure that we provide a clean voter roll, which we’ve tried doing,” Andrade said. “We had a little setback, but the process continues…”

Andrade is at the beginning of her fifth year on the job as Texas’ chief elections officer. She credits her many years as an entrepreneur in San Antonio for her straightforward, no-nonsense approach to ensuring fair and orderly elections.

“I am looking forward to a good election, and that’s because I know how hard our local election officials work on making that happen, and also I’m optimistic that our Texas registered voters will go out and vote,” she said.

For questions or concerns call 1-800-252-VOTE or visit www.votetexas.gov.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

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national

U.S.briefs

Blacks, Latinos told to flex political muscle

By BARRINGTON SALMON Special to NNPA from the Afro-American

Blacks and Latinos are solidly in the corner of President Barack Obama in the upcoming election. In 2008, 96 percent of Blacks and 67 percent of Latinos voted for Obama.

He’s going to need that support again on Nov. 6 to beat back the challenge

of Mitt Romney, in a race that’s too close to call.

The significance of these voting blocs was one of several issues raised during a spirited discussion on the impact of the minority vote among a panel of experts.

Tomorrow is Today, a Washington, D.C. non-profit dedicated to social change and economic development, hosted the event which was

carried live on CNN. Dorinda White of Tomorrow is Today prefaced the panel discussion with data on voter suppression efforts by Republicans.

Fourteen states have passed 25 measures restricting the right to vote. Those most affected live in states with the fastest growing Black and Latino populations. As many as 5 million

THE PARENTS OF TRAYVON MARTIN have launched a new website to fight against stand-your-ground laws. Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton said they want changefortrayvon.com to give them a voice in the political process. “Our lives were flipped upside down on February 26, 2012 when our son, Trayvon Martin, was taken from us,” they said. “If losing our son was not enough, we were forced to live with the fact that his killer was out in the community while hiding behind a law that allows individuals to shoot first and ask questions later.” They said that such laws exist in 32 states …….. CHICAGO CONGRESSMAN JESSE JACKSON JR. continues to have a hard time. Federal investigators are looking into his finances due to “suspicious activity” connected to his House seat and certain expenditures. Jackson took medical leave from Congress to undergo treatment for bipolar disorder…….. ANDREW BRIMMER, a noted economist, educator and first Black member of the Federal Reserve Board, died Oct. 7 in Washington, D.C. after a lengthy illness. He was 86. The son of a Louisiana sharecropper, Brimmer enrolled in the University of Washington under the G.I. Bill, and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics. Brimmer was named to the Federal Reserve in 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson……..THE STATE OF FLORIDA recently approved controversial new race-based standards that affect 2.6 million students who attend the state’s public schools.

The mandate stipulates that by 2018, 90 percent of Asian students, 88 percent of white students, 81 percent of Hispanic students and 74 percent of Black students are to be reading at or above grade level. “Our kids, although they come from different socioeconomic backgrounds, they still have the ability to learn,” said middle school magnet coordinator Juan Lopez. “To dumb down the expectations for one group, that seems a little unfair.”

Continued on Page 5

Obama takes charge of second debate Defender News Services

President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama came out swinging in his second debate with Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

The president was hoping to rebound from an earlier matchup when he was seen as listless and distracted.

The stakes of the town hall-style debate could not have been higher.

With just over two weeks to go before

Election Day, the race is locked in a dead heat and many Americans are already casting ballots in states with early voting.

From the onset, Obama showed a stronger stance than the initial debate on Oct. 3, which many say helped fuel a rise in opinion polls by Romney.

The Oct. 16 debate was before an audience of 80 uncommitted voters who posed questions to the candidates, including an African-American Continued on Page 7

VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 51 WEEK OF OCTOBER 18, 2012

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

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

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).

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Political...Continued from page 4

OCTOBER 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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eligible voters could be barred from voting.

White and CNN political analyst Roland Martin, who served as moderator of the standing-room only event, said minority voter participation is pivotal in the upcoming elections.

Panelists pointed to the impact of changing demographics in America, the need to be less reactive, focusing on workable strategies that maximize their numbers, and having people on the streets and in the suites.

“Our community really got engaged and motivated. We talked a lot about change and voted for change,” said Ron Busby, president of the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. “This vote is about guarding that change we voted for in 2008.”

Several of the panelists criticized both Republicans and Democrats.

“Is it racism or laziness?” asked media personality and Republican commentator Lenny McAllister.

“There’s a segment of politicians who take our votes for granted. They make laws not in our best interest. We need responsiveness from [them].”

McAllister said he fears that the overwhelming support Latinos and Blacks give Democrats may impede their negotiating ability.

Labor leader Hector Sanchez said Republicans have alienated Latinos, while Democrats have chosen not to expend political capital on passing, for example, the Dream Act. “Democrats need to play offense and stop playing defense,” said Sanchez, executive director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement in Northwest.

“Immigration has not been a priority. It’s unacceptable the level of racism, anti-immigrant statements and attacks on labor and education [from Republicans]. We need to be more aggressive.”

McAllister said Republicans have made a political calculation.

“The reason why we see the war on women, labor and minorities is because they drive the vote,” he said.

“Fifty percent of African Americans live in the South – red states. You have to change the paradigm, not just see this through the prism of race.”

The president of the National Council of Black Women, E. Faye Williams, stressed coalition building.

“Dr. [Martin Luther] King spoke of a coalition of women, the poor, Brown and Black,” she said. “We cannot get all of what we want unless someone gets all of what they want. Usually, we wait until the last minute to come together.”

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State Sen. Mario Gallegos dies at 62 Defender News Services

Houston State Sen. Mario Gallegos, a Democrat who served in the Legislature for 21 years, died Oct. 16 from complications related to a liver transplant he received in 2007. He was 62.

Gallegos was elected to the Texas House in 1991 and the Senate in 1995, and became the first Hispanic senator elected to represent Harris County.

Those who knew Gallegos said he dedicated his life to helping others. After serving 22 years in the Houston Fire Department where he retired as senior captain, Gallegos continued his public service in the Texas Legislature.

During his terms in the House and Senate, Gallegos sponsored and passed legislation creating economic opportunities for communities that had been passed over for development. He was a voice for public schools and vigorously opposed the record funding cuts in education approved by the GOP majority in the Legislature last year.

Houston State Rep. Garnet Coleman re-

membered Gallegos as “fearless.”

“He took on the challenges that others shied away from,” Coleman said. “They weren’t always popular, but being an elected official isn’t about being popular; it’s about accomplishing goals for your constituents.

There simply isn’t enough space to mention all of his accomplishments.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee considered Gallegos a warrior.

“Mario was a true servant of the people,” she said. “First, as a firefighter of many years saving lives, and then a Texas state representative and state senator standing in the gap for the poor and the most vulnerable. When he fought he always fought fairly and was always fighting for the families of his district.”

Gallegos was a graduate of the University of Houston. He received numerous honors and awards for his community involvement.

Gov. Rick Perry ordered that flags on state property be lowered to half-staff for three days to honor him.

Gallegos’ survivors include his wife, Theresa, three children, five grandchildren, four sisters, two brothers and his mother.

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OCTOBER 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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Discrimination...Continued from page 3 ....

• Harris County’s voter purge program was based on faulty death matches and is in violation of a section of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

• Harris County acted with racially discriminatory intent in denying the right to vote of AfricanAmericans in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

“Harris County has used discriminatory practices in purging otherwise qualified voters and citing minor technicalities for rejecting their registration applications,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran.

“We filed the suit in order to stop these discriminatory practices. Our singular goal is to make sure that all qualified individuals have the opportunity to exercise their Constitutional protected right to vote in this year’s election.”

Harris County Voter Registrar Don Sumners said the LULAC suit was “unwarranted” and politically motivated.

“The actual allegations in the lawsuit for the most part cover the same accusations of the Texas Democratic Party suit of 2008,” Sumners said.

“After months of discovery and the taking of

Obama...

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Continued from page 4

who asked the president a “What have you done for me lately?” question.

Obama criticized Romney’s opposition to the Democrats’ bailout of the auto industry and rejected Romney’s economic proposals as squeezing the middle class.

“Gov. Romney says he’s got a five-point plan.

Gov. Romney doesn’t have a five-point plan. He has a one-point plan. And that plan is to make sure that folks at the top play by a different set of rules,” Obama said.

“That’s been his philosophy in the private sector… that’s exactly the philosophy we’ve seen in place for the last decade. That’s the philosophy that’s been squeezing middle class families. We have fought back to get out of that mess. The last thing we need to do is go back to the very same policies that got us there.”

He also said Romney had shifted positions on energy, criticizing coal production years ago and supporting it now. At least twice, Obama accused Romney of being untruthful.

Romney responded in kind. He said the Obama administration’s spending was swelling the deficit and would lead to big tax hikes. He criticized Obama’s handling of the economy and blamed the president for high gasoline prices.

“The middle class has been crushed over the last four years,” Romney said.

One more debate remains – on Oct. 22 – and that one deals with foreign policy, a secondary issue in a race dominated by the economy.

Obama is fighting to hang on to small leads in many of the nine key swing states that likely will decide the election.

multiple depositions, the lawsuit was resolved when the Democratic Party was unable to produce a single person who had been illegally denied the right to register and vote.”

Sumners also addressed charges that his office disproportionately purged minority voters from “dead voter” lists.

“As of today, no registered voter whose name appeared on either list has been purged unless the voter’s death has been confirmed. I have publically promised that none will be removed until after the Nov. 6 election and a thorough screening by my office,” Sumners said.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

This is the old-school Jeep.

With all due respect to the Jeep Liberty and Cherokees on the road, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4 appeals to the hard-core loyalists.

Some of us remember that military-looking rig that can navigate the most challenging terrain while equally adept on the local toll road.

Jeep has preserved the rugged Jeep spirit of yesteryear.

For example, the latest Wrangler Sahara still sports exposed door and hood hinges, removable doors, exterior hood latches and tail lamps that aren’t faired into the body shell.

Yet there is a wide array of comforting amenities to the former World War II all-purpose vehicle that was once called “America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare.” Power windows and door locks, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and a colorful navigation system are just a few of the updates.

There’s also an optional five-speed automatic transmission available. But if you’re any kind of retro roughneck,

the manual transmission and a manual shifter for the four-wheel drive transfer case is the obvious choice.

Naturally, this 2012 Wrangler Sahara 4X4 test vehicle was equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission and command Trac shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive. Besides a heavy-duty feel and positive engagements that refuse to be hurried, this gearbox has a couple of interesting distinctions.

For instance, the gearbox is exclusive to this particular vehicle. You won’t find it in any other Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep product. Another distinction is that this set-up is the only way to get a stick shift paired with Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Penstar V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pounds-per-foot of torque.

What you get with the combination of a V-6 engine and a manual transmission is a 0-to-60 miles per hour sprint in 6.8 seconds. However, thrust diminishes significantly as the speedometer needle climbs. In fact, acceleration is nearly non-existent in sixth gear that basically serves as an overdrive mode.

The serious off-road buff will love the bucking bronco ride.

The elements that make the Wrangler a champion in the outback is also what makes it feel a bit clumsy on pavement.

SPECS

MSRP base price – $27,970 (as tested $32,805) Engine – 3.6-liter V6 Transmission – Six-speed manual Fuel economy – 17 miles per gallon (city), 21 mpg (highway) Estimated annual fuel cost - $3,086 Standard equipment includes a top-notch seven-speaker Infinity sound system with subwoofer, temperature and compass gauge, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a rear foldand-tumble seat.

Safety features include advanced multistage front air bags, electronic stability control, hill start assist and tire pressure monitoring system with warning lamp.

I’d say kudos for old-school.

LEARN ABOUT THE VOTING PROCESS, AND MAKE YOUR MARK ON TEXAS. SECRETARY OF STATE HOPE ANDRADE

EARLY VOTING IS OCTOBER 22ND – NOVEMBER 2ND FOR THE NOVEMBER 6TH GENERAL ELECTION.

LEARN HOW AT VOTETEXAS.GOV LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/VOTETEXAS AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @VOTETEXAS

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OCTOBER 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

1B

Higher Ed Choosing a college that’s

right for you

By ELESKA AUBESPIN Defender

N

ot everyone gets to attend two high schools on the opposite racial makeup spectrum. But Kodi Maxey did.

Through his junior year, Maxey attended the mostly white Sterling High School in Baytown, but graduated from the mostly Black Wheatley High in Houston.

Given that Maxey had both Black and white classmates, diversity was a factor when choosing a college.

“I didn’t want to go to a college that was all Black, Hispanic or white,” Maxey said. “Once you get into the real world, you are in a diverse world and I wanted my college campus to reflect that.”

Maxey, a senior at Sam Houston State, also wanted a college close to home and one that had affordable tuition.

“Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both,” advises Maxey, who graduates in December with a degree in criminal justice, a career that tipped the scale toward enrollment at Sam Houston. “Think about proximity to home, what’s best for your major and even

the organizations you might be involved in.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are more than 4,000 degree-granting institutions of higher education in the United States. Nearly 3 million Black students, or 13.8 percent of all students, are enrolled in higher education.

But Blacks did not always have access to universities, so schools were built specifically to educate them. Today, those HBCUs still exist and Blacks are faced with the dilemma of whether to attend a majority white institution versus the historically black college or university.

INSIDE

Continued on Page 9B

UH Downtown Preparing students Publisher’s message Prairie View A&M

2B 3B 3B 4B

Higher Ed dollars & sense Managing student debt Things to know about SAT Houston Community College

6B 7B 8B 8B

Tips on picking a college 9B Texas Southern University 10B Technical Careers 12B University of Texas 12B

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Higher Ed Discover UHD A major opportunity

for students

The University of Houston Downtown offers educational opportunities to students from a variety of backgrounds.

T

he University of Houston-Downtown was founded in 1974 in the heart of Houston’s central business district, near major freeways, the rail and bus lines, and in close proximity to the heart of downtown’s corporate center and multiple Fortune 500 headquarters.

UHD is an urban university, with its campus growing vertically rather than the traditional sprawling, horizontal layout of most American university campuses.

The university serves student populations that match the rich ethnic and multi-cultural diversity that defines Houston.

The student population is 39 percent Hispanic, 29 percent AfricanAmerican, 20 percent white, 9 percent Asian, 3 percent international or other ethnicity, with a total enrollment of about 14,000 in graduate and undergraduate studies. University-wide, approximately 2,000 students graduate each year.

UHD prides itself on exceptional faculty and facilities, with students finding a unique opportunity to participate

in research with faculty, build personal relationships with faculty mentors, and gain an enriched educational experience through small class sizes with one-onone interactions.

The faculty has earned an impressive reputation for caring about the success of their students. They build relationships that benefit both students and faculty well beyond conferring a degree, through networking and providing students with the resource-rich faculty contacts that graduates can continue to tap into beyond their education.

To facilitate ease of access, UHD also offers classes at various campuses of the Lone Star College District.

UHD continues to explore ways to be responsive to the needs of students and offers dual credit and dual enrollment options through area community college partners, a variety of distance education options through classes online, and a “hybrid” class configuration, blending online with classroom instruction.

As one of the four distinct and separate components of the University of Houston System, UHD offers educational opportunities and access to students from a variety of backgrounds.

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Higher Ed

Preparing students for

college, careers

By TIFFANY L. WILLIAMS Defender

A

large number of the nation’s high school students are not college- or career-ready, ac cording to reports released this year by the College Board and ACT, Inc. The College Board, which administers the college readiness SAT exam, showed only 43 percent of the 1.66 million students tested were ready for post-secondary education.

For African-American students that number drops to 15 percent.

Preceding that report was recent ACT data, which revealed 60 percent of the 1.67 million students tested missed at least two of the four benchmarks it set for math, English, science, and reading. Among AfricanAmerican students only 5 percent met all four benchmarks.

In Houston, several school districts are working with area students to alter the bleak picture many students across the country are facing.

In the Houston Independent School District, which serves a 92 percent minority population and is the state’s largest district, an initiative was introduced in 2011 that waives SAT fees for all juniors and lets them test during the school day.

“This initiative is a great advantage to students because they don’t have to wake up on a Saturday, travel to another school or worry about trying to find a ride,” said College Readiness School Improvement Officer Esti Arriaga.

Over the last two years, the overall number of HISD students tak-

Students attend Alief ISD’s annual College and Career Fair.

ing the SAT increased by 93 percent, while the number of graduates scoring at college-ready levels hit record highs. African-American students scoring 500 or better jumped 33 percent in reading, 55 percent in math and 35 percent in writing.

In addition to increased focus on SATs, HISD also offers online prep, more access to Advanced Placement courses, and tuition-free college-level courses at six of its area high schools.

Still, some feel more needs to be done.

Former Jones High School teacher Jamar Johnson said he doesn’t feel students are being adequately prepared for post-secondary education, especially for the more rigorous colleges and universities.

“Students have come back and told me about their experience in college and how they didn’t feel

A Taylor High School student works with her coach, Dr. Alicia Kerr, during a Superintendent’s Academically Talented Scholars session.

prepared,” Johnson said. “The majority of students had to take at least one if not multiple remediation classes before they were able to take even the basic introductory courses.”

Johnson, who now teaches at

Yes Prep Academy, taught senior physics for two years at Jones, a school that frequents the state’s underperforming lists. Maintaining rigorous college prep curriculum was challenging, Johnson said.

“When you have kids at the AP physics level in class with kids who are struggling with 9th and 10th grade math, a lot of students’ needs don’t get met in the process,” he said.

Alief Independent School District, another large district comprised of mostly minorities, is working to meet students’ needs through collegereadiness programs that target students as early as elementary school.

In addition, to gain more insight, the district addressed colleges and universities directly to find out what high school graduates were lacking.

“Problems colleges see are the level of remediation students entering need as well as their inability to navigate the system,” said Alief ISD Counseling Coordinator Tyra Walker.

She also said when serving their minority population certain considerations are taken.

“Life happens with our students,” Walker said. “You have some who move a lot, others who have been out of school for a while and some that are much older.”

In another effort to prepare students for life after high school, Alief recently held its annual College and Career Fair hosted by the district’s Counseling Department.

Representatives from more than 120 post-secondary institutions attended the event, and shared information with students and their parents.

Walker said it’s important that students are aware of the opportunities that exist.

“A lot of our students will be first-generation college students, so we must show them early on that college is an option,” she said.

Message from the Publisher

Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

The value of a college degree is worth the cost of college. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers with a college degree earned twice as much as those without it.

Today choosing the right college and finding the money to pay for that education is priority one and two and not necessarily in that order.

In an effort to help students and parents, the Defender staff along with our university and college partners has assembled a special edition to assist you in addressing the two top priorities.

Our Higher Ed partners are: Houston Community College, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View A&M College of Business, Texas Southern University, University of Houston Central, the University of Houston Downtown and the University of Texas.

To help you deal with the financial challenges are the articles about creative ways to pay for college and the reality of student debt, which is approached from the pre-planning to the post strategy.

Other articles on the SAT test, tips on picking

a college and looking at how others have decided between a Black or white university gives you some insight into how others have approached the subject.

Then there is the opportunity to choose a major, which is a serious decision, and if your passion is in science, math or technology, the hot technical careers could pay you big money.

College is a big step for both students and parents, and the more you know the more successful you will be. So get started on your plans as you begin this new journey in life.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

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Higher Ed

PVAMU Building on a rich tradition

P

rairie View A&M University 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 juvenile justice.

The newest doctoral degree program is slated to come from the noted School 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 to prepare future nurses.

Created in 1876 by the 15th Legislature of the State of Texas, PVAMU is focused on the future and preparing its students to be global competitors. The institution is introducing a number of initiatives designed to broaden students’ horizons.

Foreign language offerings have been expanded to welcome the addition of classes in Arabic and Mandarin Chinese. The classes, as well as the addition of an international affairs coordinator, support the university’s goal of building the next generation of global leaders through classroom instruction, cultural training, the arts and service-learning projects.

PVAMU has also expanded its curriculum with the addition of the Executive Masters of Business Administration. The two-year program is designed for managers and executives and features a study immersion trip to China.

The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business International.

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.

The 10-year campus master plan, developed by the university and approved by the Texas A&M University Board of Regents last spring, will add a few modern touches to the look of the campus and address the needs that accompany student growth.

Also, in the campus master plan is a new retail center and housing for upperclassman students, both to be completed in 2013. A new academic building housing the College of Agriculture and the College of Business, a recreation facility and a new athletic stadium will also be coming to the campus.

In the Office of Development, a new initiative has kicked this fall that is allowing students to give back to Prairie View. The inaugural Student Giving Campaign allows students to give back to the University through monetary donations.

The campaign is the third component of Office of Development’s approach to grow the annual fund while creating a “culture of philanthropy” throughout the university.

The office also conducts the Faculty and Staff Campaign and the Phon-A-Thon geared toward alumni.

With scenery all around, PVAMU students take advantage of nice weather. The landscape of the campus is changing according to the 10-year master plan.

The Northwest Houston Center is the newest addition to PVAMU, and is a full extension of the University’s main campus.

During PVAMU’s 135-year history, more than 53,500 academic degrees have been awarded.

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 PVAMU athletics department, including Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships by the baseball, women’s basketball and bowling teams, led to Prairie View sweeping the season

ending awards for 2011-12.

The Panthers captured the Sadie Magee/Barbara Jacket Award, the C.D. Henry Award, and the James Frank Award which were presented at the spring meetings en route to claiming the overall Commissioner’s Cup. Artistically, PVAMU talent is being recognized nationally. A. Jan Taylor, conductor of PVAMU’s University Concert Chorale, was selected a national conductor for the 105 Voices of History HBCU National Concert Choir.

Taylor served as one of the choir’s three conductors as they traveled throughout the country for a number of prestigious performances, including an appearance in Washington, D.C. during the Congressional Black Caucus Week.

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| OCTOBER 18OCTOBER | 2012 11 | 2012 | defendernetwork.com DEFENDER | WEEK OF 6B DEFENDER

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Dollars & Sense for College Students Creative ways to pay for college

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By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

aying for a college can be a major issue – and expense – for students and their parents. There are ways, however, to be creative while using common-sense strategies.

One local financial aid professional said regardless of the method a student uses to pay for college, there is one thing they should always remember.

“Start early,” said Marisol Garza, assistant director for outreach and customer service at the University of Houston Downtown.”

Garza added that there are various creative ways to help finance a college education.

Take dual credit classes

Courses offered for dual credit allow high school junior or seniors to enroll in a college course and simultaneously earn college credit and high school credit for the course.

“Many high schools work with community colleges to offer these classes, and they offer them either free or at very low cost,” Garza said. “So students can graduate high school with a year’s worth of college credit classes under their belt.”

According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, studies show that dual credit courses increase the likelihood that a student will complete high school and enroll in college. In addition, new graduates enter the workforce earlier and begin to earn wages.

Get a paid internship

Paid summer internships let students earn money while learning new skills and building their resumes.

“I tell students they can start applying for internships even in their senior year in high school,” Garza said. “For example, if they’re enrolled in a technical program in their high school for engineering, they can start looking for engineering internships their senior year.”

Consider public service

AmeriCorps is an example of a program that helps college students pay for their education.

Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.

Full-time members who complete their service earn an education award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans.

During their service, members receive

health coverage, training, and student loan deferment. About half the members also receive a modest annual living allowance.

Check out TEXAS Grant

Garza encourages eligible students to look into the Toward Excellence, Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant program. The state legislature established the program in 1999 to provide funds to academically prepared high school graduates with financial need.

“TEXAS Grant is available to high school students who choose to graduate on a distinguished or recommended plan, which is basically a more challenging graduation requirement plan,” Garza said.

The grant can be used at any public institution of higher education in Texas. The maximum award amount is equal to the statewide average of a student’s tuition and required fees.

Apply for a Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to undergraduate and certain post baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions. Grant amounts are dependent on the student’s expected family contribution, the cost of attendance, the student’s enrollment status and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less.

Go where you’re wanted

Finding a college or university that’s dying to have you as a student could lower your education costs. It has been said that every student is a star at the right college, and star students could get discounts for their education. A college that really wants you might find the scholarships and financial aid to keep you.

Students in need of college money can be creative.

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gher Ed Planning helps manage student debt Family Features

In an increasingly competitive global market, education is becoming more important.

But many families find the cost of education to be outside their grasp.

According to a study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education, from the 2001-02 to the 2010-11 academic year, the cost of attending a four-year undergraduate in-state school rose by 47.3 percent.

With ever-increasing education expenses, many families are accumulating significant debt, putting students further behind. However, with planning and financial management, students can control their finances.

Here are some tips for parents of soon-tobe college students.

Start the conversation. Talk with other parents, teachers and guidance counselors about the cost of education. Make contact with the student financial aid offices of the colleges on your child’s list and get an accurate estimate of the cost of each institute. Most importantly, talk with your child. It is imperative your child learns the budgeting process as they will soon be managing their finances away from home.

Set a budget and stick to it. Once you have a set budget, add wiggle room for other unforeseeable expenses. Make sure you set this budget realistically. Calculating the cost of pens and pencils may seem ludicrous, but if you’re on a tight budget, every expense counts.

Get connected. Tracking your financial spending is easier than ever. From smart phone apps to free financial planning software, you can get an accurate financial report at any time.

Research banks to determine which ones offer services to help you stay on top of your budget.

Also, consider linking your banking account with your child’s, to easily transfer funds online.

Make a plan. When taking on debt, it is important to have a plan for paying it off.

Calculate the monthly payments and time it will take your child to pay off the debt. Research salary ranges for the field in which your child plans to pursue a career to understand the debt they can realistically carry. Find more information and calculators to help determine payment schedules and interest rates at www.direct. ed.gov.

Do your research. Before taking out a student loan, look to other options, such as financial aid and scholarships. While some scholarships are awarded on academic merit, others are given based upon both academic performance and community service.

Students in need of college money can be creative.

Helping students handle money Family Features

Money management is one skill that can be difficult for young adults to master as they head off on their own. But no matter what stage of life – whether they’re entering college or the workforce – every young adult should learn how to handle his or her money.

Make a budget

Sit down with your student and map out all monthly expenses. Include room and board or rent, books, supplies, food, personal care and medications, transportation, gas, entertainment (including dining out, movies and walking around money, etc.), and payment for phone, mobile devices, cable and Internet access.

Then, figure out income. This can include money from a job, financial aid, student loans and any support from you.

Income and expenses need to balance. There are plenty of online tools you can use to figure out a budget. Some, such as www.mint.com or some bank websites, can help students manage their budgets, making it easy for them to take care of it themselves.

There are also budgeting tips and

worksheets at websites such as www. smartaboutmoney.org.

Also determine needs vs. wants. It might seem like a latte every morning is a necessity to jump-start the day, but those kinds of little expenses can add up quickly. A recent study by Westwood College found that 40 percent of the average student’s budget is being spent on “discretionary” spending.

Included is entertainment (6.5 percent), apparel and services (6.7 percent), travel and vacation (4.7 percent). Have your student do the math on how much some of their “necessities” will cost them, and then talk about how to weigh purchase decisions.

Plan ahead

A little planning can also help young adults spend less and get more value for their dollar.

• Cellphone – Consider an unlimited plan to avoid overage charges.

• Food – Coupons and digital deals can cut the costs of dining out. Look into the college meal plan – and use it. Save on snacks by stocking up at the grocery store instead of buying from a vending machine or convenience store.

• Clothing – Thrift stores, consignment shops and yard sales are affordable ways to find something fun to wear.

• Entertainment – Encourage them to take advantage of free activities on campus with their student ID. Advise your student to decide how much he or she can spend when going out with friends, and then only take that much money with them.

In addition, students must be smart about credit cards.

Many students sign up for a credit card right away, and before they know it, they are thousands of dollars in debt.

Make sure they understand the impact of interest rates.

Also, discuss setting limitations on using a credit card to avoid non-academic debt, such as using it only for emergencies, travel or school expenses, or only charging what they can pay back on time the next month (including interest).

Equipping your student with some basic financial skills will help them make wise money choices now and for the rest of their lives.

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Higher Ed

Things to know about the SAT

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

What is the SAT? The SAT is a highly reliable standardized measure of college readiness used in the admission process at nearly all fouryear, not-for-profit undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States. Studies regularly demonstrate that the best predictor of college success is the combination of SAT scores and high school grades.

What does scoring entail? The highest possible SAT score is 800 in critical reading, 800 in mathematics and 800 in writing, making the highest possible score 2400.

Why was the SAT created? The SAT was created in 1926 by the College Board’s membership of educators to democratize access to college for all students.

What does the SAT measure? The SAT tests the reading, mathematics and writing skills and knowledge students acquire as part of a rigorous high school curriculum. The SAT also measures how well students can apply their knowledge, a

factor that educators and researchers agree is critical to success in college.

How many students take the SAT? Nearly 3 million students take the SAT each academic year at nearly 7,000 test centers in more than 170 countries. More than 1.66 million students in the high school class of 2012 took the SAT at least once during high school.

How many times should a student take the SAT? The vast majority of students take the SAT once or twice, and the College Board does not recommend that students take the SAT more than twice. There is no evidence to support the idea that taking the SAT more than twice results in significant score gains.

When should students take the SAT? For most students, the optimal testing schedule is to take the SAT once during the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year.

How much does it cost to take the test? The registration fee during the 2012-13 school year is $50.

Source: The College Board

HCC keeps Houston working Houston Community College is working to align education with industry standards that allow students to transition easily from the classroom to the workforce, while meeting the needs of business and industry. HCC is helping the local, state and national economy by successfully responding to the region’s workforce and business development needs.

The college continues to prepare the emerging workforce by providing students with greater access to career options; serving employers through flexible and customized training; and, offering portable skills and credentials to incumbent, displaced workers, or those seeking a career change.

Focused on Houston’s high growth, high demand industries (energy, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and global supply & logistics, information technology, personal services and business), HCC produces a pipeline of highly qualified professionals to enter the workforce or transfer to universities and pursue further studies.

Today’s students are attending HCC because they know they can get the education and training they need for a very competitive work environment.

They choose HCC for its accessibility, quality of education and affordability.

Many of today’s students are workers who are returning to college in search of a more stable career and a better life. Houston Community College understands that it is crucial to provide them with educational opportunities that look towards the future and are essential for their own and our region’s success.

A record number of students graduated from HCC this year. More than 4,600 students completed their associate degrees or certificates of completion. HCC is not only providing education and relevant training, it is changing people’s lives.

Houston Community College keeps Houston working.

We keep Houston working. enroll today at hccs.edu

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

We keep houston working 4.79 x 6.5.indd 1

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Higher Ed

Tips on picking the right college Selecting a college is one of the biggest decisions a young person will make. The College Board has some tips on picking an institution of higher learning that’s right for you.

Decide what you want in a college. Ask yourself what’s important to you, where you want to be and who you want to become.

Then you can figure out what types of colleges will allow you to reach your goals.

Consider certain aspects. They include size of the college, cost, location, campus atmosphere, distance from home, makeup of the student body, available classes and majors, extracurricular activities. Also, what you want to accomplish in college? Do you want to train for a specific job or get a wide-ranging education?

Keep an open mind. Stay open to all the possibilities at the beginning of your search. Also, challenge your assumptions about what will work for you. For example, don’t think that a large university isn’t right for you because you attended a small high school.

Talk to people who know you. Tell parents, teachers, relatives, family friends and your school counselor about your goals, and ask if they can suggest colleges that may be a good fit for you.

Do your homework. Once you have a list of possible schools, check out college guidebooks and websites. Get answers to questions you might have by talking to your school counselor or teachers, contacting college admission officials and visiting campuses.

Choosing...Continued from page 1B ....

EXCELLENCE IN AdvoCACy

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Each choice has pros and cons.

The larger, wealthier Ivy Leagues give more scholarships to those with limited funds. However, HBCUs offer cheaper tuitions overall.

Also, some employers might perceive a degree from a large, predominantly white degree more legitimate than a degree from a smaller or minority college. Yet many HBCUs can match any degree program in areas ranging from medicine to business to education.

In addition, HBCUs offer shelter from racial tensions that can surface at mostly white campuses.

With either choice, family tradition might play a role.

Karen Thomas attended historically black Alcorn State in Mississippi after she was offered a full scholarship for track.

“Lamar University in Beaumont also offered me a track scholarship but I turned that down,” said Thomas of the mostly white campus. “It was only a partial scholarship and my mom couldn’t afford to send me to school, so I went to Alcorn because it was paid for.”

Thomas, 35, now teaches math and science at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Crosby.

Born in McNair, a predominately Black community near Baytown,

Thomas attended integrated schools.

It was difficult to blend in and nearly impossible to be a Black homecoming queen or cheerleader.

When Thomas’ daughter, Madison, 3, becomes a high school graduate, she will be exposed to HBCUs and mainstream colleges.

“I will encourage Madison to attend a HBCU because she needs that cultural experience,” Thomas said.

“But if she is offered a scholarship to attend a mostly white college then that’s where she will go.”

Alesha Richard, 21, chose to attend Lamar University because of strong emotional ties to the Beaumont school.

Richard, who will earn a biology degree in December 2013, wanted to follow in the footsteps of her older sister, Ashley, who was killed in an auto accident. At the time, Ashley was attending Lamar to become a pharmacist.

“I decided to go to Lamar to pick up where she left off and accomplish not only my goals, but hers as well,” Richard said. “This is in memory of my sister.”

Richard said that it all comes down to what is best for a student.

“It is important for the Black race to expand our education,” Richard said.

“But we are individuals who can now make our own decisions and do what we feel is more comfortable for us.”

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Higher Ed

TSU marks 85 years of excellence For 85 years Texas Southern University has created legends and leaders. With cutting-edge programs designed to meet the needs of the 21st century job market housed within a thriving urban campus, our graduates are prepared to blaze trails in their chosen fields.

The undergraduate experience at Texas Southern combines the advantages of living in the country’s fourth largest city – home of the world renowned Texas Medical Center and Port of Houston –with the benefits of a caring, family environment that offers a wide array of student support services to guide you from admission to graduation.

Once the “best kept secret in higher education,” Texas Southern University is now on everyone’s radar thanks in large part to the Renaissance of Excellence taking place on campus, which is located in Houston’s historic Third Ward.

The university’s Urban Academic Village and Student Academic Enhancement Services office provides first and second-year students with the 24/7, holistic support needed to achieve your educational goals.

TSU is fast attracting the nation’s best students by offering them a diverse, challenging and cutting-edge curriculum through our Thomas F. Freeman Honors College.

Our venerated Department of Transportation Studies offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in its flagship program – the Maritime Transportation Management and Security program launched two years ago through $2 million partnership with the Houston Port Authority.

If education is your passion, Texas Southern has produced graduates that represent one of the largest percentages of administrators and teachers in HISD. But just as impressive, 27 percent of all African-American pharmacists in the country graduate from TSU. Moreover, TSU is the second largest producer of pharmacists in Texas.

TSU’s environmental health program is the only National Environmental Health Sciences and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) accredited program in Texas. The environmental health program prepares graduates to enter the workforce in air and water quality control, solid and hazardous waste management, occupational health, industrial hygiene, and safety control.

Recognizing that inequalities in access to health services and the unequal burden of disease are at the forefront of problems in healthcare, TSU’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has incorporated health disparities courses into the curricula.

These are just a few examples of the many programs preparing students to become legends and leaders in today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.

TSU offers a degree in Entertainment and the

The TSU campus is a landmark in historic Third Ward.

Students at graduation exemplify TSU’s diversity.

For 85 years Texas Southern University has symbolized excellence in education.

Recording Industry Management, enhanced by hands-on experience gained at the award-winning, KTSU-FM radio station or our state-of-the-art cable television broadcast studio.

Or, with a degree earned from the Barbara Jordan -Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs buttressed by fluency in Mandarin Chinese gained through the prestigious Confucius Institute, you are well on your way to becoming the change you want to see in the world.

And this change can take place on our historic campus, or in the comfort of your own home, as TSU offers multiple online education options.

TSU offers two unique executive MBAs, one for general business and one with a specialization in energy finance, a good field for those who intend to become executives in energy companies.

Both programs emphasize virtual teamwork and skills in leadership, strategy, decision-making and accountability.

TSU’s online Executive MBA Program (eMBA) offers a curriculum uniquely designed to meet the growing demand for mid-career professionals in the public sector who wish to pursue an executive master of business administration degree. This program was recently ranked No. 5 in a ranking of the Top 10 Best Online Executive MBA Programs by B-MBA Magazine.

Moreover, Texas Southern’s College of Education offers an online Master of Education, further promoting the convenience of the virtual classroom.

TSU has also expanded its academic programs to the highest growth areas of Houston, partnering with Lone Star College to provide students with a Northwest Campus.

So, whether online or on campus, you can be part of a legacy that is 85 years young and growing – the legacy of legends and leaders produced

by Texas Southern University.

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“TSU has given me countless ways to grow, both academically and personally. It’s a place that lets me explore my full potential.”

To find out how you can be a part of TSU Now, visit

www.tsu.edu.

F OCTOBER 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

I’sis Green ’13

Honors Scholar Classification: Senior Major: Early Childhood Bilingual Education

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Higher Ed

Today’s hot technical careers

By ASWAD WALKER Defender

Jobs requiring a certain level of technical proficiency are among the hottest in the nation in terms of recent new hires.

According to Christopher Akil Lee, a technical change analyst at NorthgateArinso, Inc. in Florida, engineering has been and remains the foundational “hot” tech career.

“It’s always better to be in the position of creating something rather than using or configuring what someone else created; that’s where engineering comes in,” said Lee. “There would be no high tech careers without engineers.”

Lee noted that engineering has not been hit as hard by the recession.

“Engineers with good communication and business skills often become company leaders because they have the vision and expertise to move the company forward,” added Lee, who after earning his bachelor’s and

master’s electrical engineering degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) has worked in the field for over 28 years.

Along with engineering, Lee added systems analyst (average salary, $76,000), IT support staff ($69,000), IT graphic design ($62,000) and computer programmer ($77,000) as jobs in high demand today.

For systems analysts, many expect this career to show tremendous growth throughout this current decade.

To qualify for this position, a minimum bachelor’s degree in computer science, management information systems or information science is a prerequisite.

Support staff is responsible for troubleshooting, and are paid high salaries because of the range of problems they are expected to diagnose and solve. An associate degree or

simple technical training would suffice initially, but for career advancement, constant upgrade of skills is necessary.

Most graphic designers are self-taught, but a bachelor’s degree in visual arts, graphic design or another related discipline is recommended.

Computers and hardware require software to run and code for this software needs to be written. This need allows computer programmers to remain in high demand. To qualify, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is sufficient for an entry-level job, but

skills need to be continually updated to keep up with the fast-paced computer industry.

“The HCC Coleman College offers several levels of electronic medical records training, from data entry specialist to health information management,” said Brian Waddle, public relations director of HCC’s John B. Coleman, M.D. College for Health Sciences.

“By 2015, and as part of the Affordable Care Act, all Americans are required to have an electronic medical record (EMR), which replaces traditional paper documents, saving millions of tax-payer dollars in Medicare and Medicaid costs. There are thousands of openings around the nation in EMRs and hundreds in Houston alone.”

Waddle says individuals in these careers can expect to earn anywhere between $30,000 and $120,000 an-

nually depending on their educational level.

“If a student has a background in either health care or IT, they will quality for the Hi-Tech Program, which is offered as continuing education (at HCC). Otherwise a student can choose one of the programs in the Health Information Technology department,” he added.

Lee believes community colleges can provide a springboard to most of today’s hot tech careers, but suggests pre-college students enroll in dual enrollment (high school / college credit earning) programs where available; join robotics, math, and programming clubs; and engage free online tutorials and open courseware from colleges and universities like MIT to learn programming, video game design, and other technical subjects.

“Starting early in technology is important because it allows students to develop an ‘I can do this’ attitude,” said Lee. “It’s never been so easy to be a geek!”

“ . . . 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 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

entertainment

9A

Condola Rashad follows in family’s footsteps Defender News Services

Condola Rashad was born to be in the spotlight. She is the daughter of actress Phylicia Rashad and sportscaster Ahmad Rashad, and the niece of entertainer/producer/choreographer Debbie Allen.

She recently appeared with her mother in the Lifetime remake of “Steel Magnolias,” also starring Queen Latifah, Jill Scott, Alfre Woodward and Adepero Oduye.

Condola played the part of Shelby, the daughter of M’Lynn (Latifah). The movie was No. 3 on Lifetime’s all-time most-watched list. She said it was the first Condola Rashad and Queen Latifah in “Steel Magnolias” time she ever worked with her mother, who is best known as Bill Cosby’s wife Clair “She’s the next major star. I told Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” her, ‘I have to be able to work with “Figuring out that dynamic on set was really you. You can’t just work with evinteresting,” she told MSN Movies. “My mother and eryone else.’ I want to do a musical I are very close and there was no way we could ever and a couple more projects with her. pretend we’re not mother and daughter. I wasn’t going She’s the most talented young person to walk on the set and go, ‘Good morning, Phylicia!’

I know.”

“That would be too weird. But at the same time, Condola graduated from the there were moments where we had to create a separaCalifornia Institute of the Arts in tion from the mother-daughter connection. I remember 2008. She garnered rave reviews for times when I was sitting there on set and she’d walk her off-Broadway debut in 2009, by and say, ‘Sit up straight, honey!’ ” playing ‘Sophie’ in “Ruined.” She The movie also marked a reunion for Condola currently has a recurring role in Condola and Ahmad Rashad and director Kenny Leon. The two worked together NBC’s “Smash.” in the Broadway play “Stick Fly,” for which Condola She also has a local connection. received her first Tony nomination. The play was proHer mother and aunt grew up in Houston, and are the duced by Alicia Keys. daughters of poet/playwright Vivian Ayers and the late “I love Condola,” Leon told broadway.com. dentist Andrew Allen.

Condola and Phylicia Rashad

what’sup BEYONCÉ will perform in the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show in New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2013. It is the most-watched musical event of the year, and more than 112 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year’s show……..

HALLE BERRY plays multiple characters of different races and genders in the upcoming independent film “Cloud Atlas.” The movie is described as an epic tale spanning centuries, within which individual characters are reborn.

Berry’s roles in the movie include a white woman and a Korean man. “This wasn’t like a big money job for anybody. We were all there because we loved it and we wanted to be a part of something that was innovative

and different,” Berry said……..“Unsung,” TV One’s popular musician biography series, has been approved for a sixth season. The series will take a look at the lives of such artists as LOU RAWLS, MIDNIGHT STAR, ISAAC HAYES and EDDIE KENDRICKS. Since its debut in 2008, the award-winning series has become the network’s flagship program…… ..”The Celebrity Apprentice” is bringing back 13 players fired from past seasons and one winner in an all-star version. The series has begun shooting for a March 2013 premiere.

The returning stars include NBA Hall-of-Famer DENNIS RODMAN, DJ and rapper LIL JON, singer LATOYA JACKSON, TV personality

and actress CLAUDIA JORDAN and reality star OMAROSA, who competed in the first edition of the show……..“American Idol” hopefuls have until Nov.4 to submit audition videos online at americanidol.com. Entrants should demonstrate their singing ability by performing a song of their choice a cappella.

Videos are limited to one submission per person.

Contestants must be between the ages of 15-28 and a legal or permanent U.S. resident who is eligible to work full-time in the states. The 12th season of American Idol kicks off in January 2013, and some fans are anxious to see if sparks will fly between new judges MARIAH CAREY and NICKI MINAJ.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

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You matter, now more than ever!

By CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL Nielsen

We’re getting down to the wire in this year’s race for the White House. In our digital world of sometimes dizzying 24/7 information overload, both political camps are relying heavily on media in its plethora of forms to reach you and influence your vote.

As we draw closer to Nov. 6, you are correct if you think the intensity of the political ads has increased. According to Nielsen data, this is especially true if you live in any of this election’s nine key “swing” or “battleground” states – Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia or Wisconsin.

Nielsen’s summarized Designated Market Areas (DMAs) within each state show that year-to-date through the beginning of September, President Obama’s reelection campaign has saturated those states with almost 230,000 ads, more than twice the ads from the campaign of his opponent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (87,000). The lone exception here is Wisconsin, where Gov. Romney’s campaign leads by 561 ads.

How much influence do these ads actually have?

Data shows that an effective advertising campaign in a swing state can mean the difference between victory and defeat on Election Day. It might be most interesting to watch which way Ohio goes, as no Republican presidential candidate has ever won the race without the assistance of this critical state’s electoral votes.

Thus far in Ohio, the margin of the number of ads is the greatest, with the Romney campaign running just over 17,000 ad units and the Obama camp running nearly three times that amount – 51,000 ads.

Then there are the presidential debates. At this writing, Nielsen ratings show that an estimated 67.2 million people watched the first debate between President Obama and Gov. Romney.

That was up 28 percent over the

first presidential debate in 2008 between then-Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. Eleven networks broadcast live coverage from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., while Telemundo aired coverage on tape delay.

To put our viewership of this year’s first presidential debate in a different perspective, 111.3 million people watched the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this year, making it the highest rated TV broadcast in U.S. history. So, the Super Bowl still reigns supreme.

As for the 2012 political conventions, according to Nielsen’s analysis of both the Republican and Democratic gatherings, nearly as many people (57 percent of all U.S. Households or 65.4 million homes) tuned into at least one of those political events as watched the first presidential debate.

That, however, is down from 64.5 percent (or 73.2 million homes) in 2008. Taking a look at the viewership of each of the speeches by each candidate (given on the final night of each convention), President Obama had a slight edge, with 13.7 percent of viewers to Gov. Romney’s 12.5 percent.

Breaking it down even further, both candidates were pretty much neck-in-neck with people over age 55. Almost 26 percent of this demographic tuned in to watch Gov. Romney, and 25 percent of

the same demo watched President Obama’s speech.

Each party, of course, selected high-profile speakers to address their respective conventions, with the Republicans choosing veteran actor Clint Eastwood and the Democrats engaging former President Bill Clinton.

The ratings results there?

Clinton drew slightly more viewers across all demographics. However, viewership among males was closest, with 9.7 percent watching Eastwood’s speech and 9.8 percent tuning into Clinton.

Are you seeing again how much your choice of what you watch matters? It is as though you are “voting” with your remote

(only in terms of TV though, not the voting booth. There, you have to show up in person).

The political “games” continue with one more presidential debate and yes, intensified ads from both sides. In every column, I show you all the many ways in which You Matter with every consumer choice you make.

But, you matter more now than ever, and it does not matter whether you are blue or red. According to the recent African-American Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing report, approximately 71 percent or 28 million of us are of voting age.

So, whatever the color of your state, you’ve got the power. Make sure you use it on Nov. 6.

Exciting…Explosive… Electrifying!

Defender Invites You to Experience

Houston’s Leading Black Information Source

The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Friday, November 9, 8pm at Jones Hall Rated as “ONe OF tHe best peRcussiON eNsembles iN tHe wORld” tickets start at just $35 call For tickets 713-227-4772 • Spahouston.org Groups of 15 or more: 713-632-8113 Presented by:

SOCIETY OR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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FOR

AGAINST

OCTOBER 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

General Mobility Program Referendum

11A

12A DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

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NOTICE OF SCHOOLHOUSE BOND ELECTION STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF HARRIS § HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT § WHEREAS, the District has, among others, the power to issue bonds for the purpose of the construction, acquisition and equipment of school buildings in the District (including the rehabilitation, renovation, expansion and improvement thereof) and the purchase of the necessary sites for school buildings; and WHEREAS, the District has determined that it is now necessary and convenient to call and conduct an election to obtain voter authorization of the issuance of bonds; IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT: Section 1. Call of Election; Date; Eligible Electors; and Hours. An election (the “Election”) shall be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, which is seventy-eight (78) or more days from the date of the adoption of this order, within and throughout the territory of the District at which all resident, qualified electors of the District shall be entitled to vote. The Board hereby finds that holding the Election on such date is in the public interest. The hours during which the polling places are to be open at the Election shall be from 7:00 o’clock a.m. to 7:00 o’clock p.m.

Section 2. Voting Precincts; Polling Places; Election Officers. Except as otherwise provided herein, the voting precincts, polling places and precinct judges for the Election are hereby established and designated to be the same as those designated by Harris County for the general election to be held on the same date.

If required, additional or alternative election judges for the voting precincts may be appointed in writing by the Superintendent of Schools (the “Superintendent”) or his designee. In the event that the Superintendent or his designee shall determine from time to time that (a) one or more of the polling places hereby established and designated shall become unavailable or unsuitable for such use, or it would be in the District’s best interests to relocate a polling place or (b) one or more of the precinct judges or assistant judges hereby appointed or hereinafter designated shall become unqualified or unavailable, the Superintendent or his designee is hereby authorized to designate and appoint in writing substitute polling places, precinct judges or assistant judges, giving such notice as is required by the Election Code and as deemed sufficient by the Superintendent.

Section 3. Proposition. At the Election there shall be submitted to the resident, qualified electors of the District the following proposition (the “Proposition”): PROPOSITION SHALL THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE BONDS OF THE DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,890,000,000 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT (INCLUDING THE REHABILITATION, RENOVATION, EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT THEREOF) AND THE PURCHASE OF THE NECESSARY SITES FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS, WHICH BONDS MAY BE ISSUED IN VARIOUS SERIES OR ISSUES, MAY BE SOLD AT ANY PRICE OR PRICES, SHALL MATURE, BEAR INTEREST AND BE ISSUED AND SOLD IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE; AND SHALL THE BOARD BE AUTHORIZED TO LEVY AND PLEDGE, AND CAUSE TO BE ASSESSED AND COLLECTED, ANNUAL AD VALOREM TAXES ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE DISTRICT SUFFICIENT, WITHIN THE LIMITS PRESCRIBED BY LAW, TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS AS THEY BECOME DUE, AND THE COSTS OF ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN ANTICIPATION OF, RELATED TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE BONDS, ALL AS AUTHORIZED BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, INCLUDING PARTICULARLY (BUT NOT BY WAY OF LIMITATION) ARTICLE 2784G, VERNON’S TEXAS CIVIL STATUTES, SUBCHAPTER A OF CHAPTER 45 OF THE TEXAS EDUCATION CODE, AND CHAPTER 1371, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, TOGETHER WITH ALL AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS THERETO, AND OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? Section 4. Ballots. The ballots shall conform to the requirements of the Election Code and shall have written or printed thereon the following: OFFICIAL BALLOT HOUSTON ISD PROPOSITION [ ] FOR THE ISSUANCE BY HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OF $1,890,000,000 SCHOOLHOUSE BONDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT (INCLUDING THE REHABILITATION, RENOVATION, EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT THEREOF) AND THE PURCHASE OF THE NECESSARY SITES FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF [ ] AGAINST Section 5. Voting. Voting in the Election, including early voting by personal appearance, shall be by a computerized voting system adopted by the Commissioners Court of Harris County, Texas, for use in elections held by the County. Each voter desiring to vote in favor of the Proposition shall mark the ballot indicating “FOR” the Proposition, and each voter desiring to vote against the Proposition shall mark the ballot indicating “AGAINST” the Proposition. Voting shall be in accordance with the Election Code.

Section 6. Early Voting. Early voting by personal appearance and by mail shall be conducted in accordance with the Election Code. Early voting shall be conducted at the dates, times and temporary branch polling places, if any, designated by Harris County for its election to be held on the same date.

The Board hereby appoints Stan Stanart, or his designee, as the early voting clerk. The mailing address to which ballot applications and ballots voted by mail may be sent is as follows: Clerk for Absentee Voting, P.O. Box 1525, Houston, Texas, 77001, Attention: Absentee Voting. For the use of those voters who are entitled by law to vote early by mail, the early voting clerk shall provide each voter with a ballot indicating his or her vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” the proposition.

The Board hereby appoints Stan Stanart, or his designee, as the presiding judge of the special early voting ballot board to count and return early voting ballots in accordance with the Election Code. The presiding judge shall appoint at least two election clerks, and such judge and clerks shall constitute the special early voting ballot board and shall perform the duties set forth for such board in the Election Code.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS FOR NOVEMBER 6, 2012 NEW SRD

Location

Address

1 MO 134H 134M 138S 139 140 142K 143G 128C 141C 142W 144B 126C 126W 127K 130C 130T 135

Harris County Administration Building Harris County Public Health Environmental Service Metropolitan Multi-Service Center Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center Acres Home Multi Service Center Hardy Senior Center Kashmere Multi-Service Center Galena Park Library Crosby ISD Administration Building Northeast Multi-Service Center North Channel Branch Library Baytown Community Center Champion Forest Baptist Church - Multi Purpose Bldg Lone Star College University Park Kingwood Branch Library Cypress Top Park Tomball Public Works Building City of Jersey Village - City Hall

1001 Preston, 1st Floor 2223 West Loop S 1475 West Gray 1414 Wirt Road 6719 W. Montgomery 11901 West Hardy Road 4802 Lockwood Dr. 1500 Keene Street 706 Runneburg Road 9720 Spaulding St, Bldg #4 15741 Wallisville Road 2407 Market Street 4840 Strack Road 20515 State Hwy 249 4400 Bens View Lane 26026 Hempstead Highway 501B James Street 16327 Lakeview Drive

Cons. Pick Up Schedule 11/2 2008 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 02 03 03 03 03 04 04 04 04 04 04

Turn Out 21,500 9,000 35,000 27,000 24,000 8,500 8,500 5,500 5,500 18,000 20,000 15,000 31,000 19,000 26,500 30,000 16,000 21,000

141H 150 132 133M 137B 137T 138B 149A 149G 143R 145C 148M 131 146F 146S 147 128P 129 145P

Octavia Fields Branch Library Champion Life Centre Franz Road Storefront Nottingham Park Bayland Park Community Center Tracy Gee Community Center Bear Creek Park Community Center Henington-Alief Regional Library Glen Cheek Education Building Ripley House H.C.C.S Southeast College, Learning Hub Holy Name Church Hiram Clarke MSC Fiesta Mart, Inc. Sunnyside Multi-Service Center Palm Center Harris County Courthouse Annex #25 Freeman Branch Library IBEW Hall #66

1503 South Houston Avenue 3031 FM 2920 Road 19818 Franz Road 926 Country Place Drive 6400 Bissonnet 3599 Westcenter Drive 3055 Bear Creek Drive 7979 South Kirkwood 16002 Westheimer Pkwy 4410 Navigation Boulevard 6815 Rustic, Bldg D 1917 Marion Street 3810 W. Fuqua 8130 Kirby 4605 Wilmington 5300 Griggs Road 7330 Spencer Highway 16616 Diana Lane 4345 Allen Genoa Road

04 04 05 05 05 05 05 05 05 06 06 06 07 07 07 07 08 08 08

22,500 21,000 19,000 19,000 22,500 21,000 21,000 19,500 12,000 7,000 10,000 11,000 20,500 22,000 16,000 15,500 19,500 24,600 17,000

VOTING LOCATIONS PRECINCT Home Pct 0001 0001 0002 0002 0003 0003 0004 0004 0005 0005 0007 0007 0008 0008 0009 0009 0010 0010 0011 0011 0014 0014 0015 0015 0016 0016 0017 0017 0018 0018 0019 0019 0020 0020 0021 0021 0022 0022 0023 0526 0024 0024 0025 0025 0026 0026 0027 0027 0030 0030 0031 0031 0032 0032 0033 0033 0034 0034 0036 0036 0037 0037 0038 0038 0039 0039 0040 0123 0042 0042 0044 0044 0046 0046 0047 0047 0048 0048 0052 0052 0053 0053 0054 0054 0055 0055 0057 0057 0058 0058 0059 0059 0060 0060 0062 0062 0064 0064 0065 0065 0066 0066 0067 0067 0068 0068 0069 0069 0070 0070 0071 0071 0072 0072 0073 0073 0075 0075 0078 0078 0079 0079

Location

Address

City

Zip

Crockett Elementary School TO BE DETERMINED Hogg Middle School Travis Elementary School HISD Proctor Plaza Park Community Center Mount Zion M Church McNamara Elementary School Settegast Park Community Center Neighborhood Ctrs. Inc Ripley House Campus Eastwood Park Community Center Parker Elementary School Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Shearn Elementary School New Longfellow Elementary School Saint Nicholas Church Parish Hall Trinity Episcopal Church YWCPA Foerster Elementary School Raul Yzaguirre School for Success Tejano Ctr. Mount Zion Baptist Church Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cage Elementary School Eastwood Academy Charter HS H O A P V Community Building Whidby Elementary School Randalls Mid Town Wharton Elementary School Hostelling International Houston Daniel Ortiz Middle School Grace Lutheran Church Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Bering United Methodist Church Montrose Branch Houston Public Library Saint Francis of Assisi Church Woodland Park Community Center Jefferson Davis High School Payne Chapel A M E Church J W Peavy Senior Center High School for Law Enforcement First Baptist Church Heights Fellowship Hall SPJST Lodge #88 Saint Marks United Methodist Church John H Reagan High School Auditorium Love Park Community Center Heights Presbyterian Scout House Sidney Lanier Middle School Denver Harbor Park Community Ctr. Gallegos Elementary School DeZavala Park Community Center John R Harris Elementary School Brookline Elementary School Sunnyside Park Community Center Edison Middle School Memorial Elementary School IPSP Mason Park Community Center Garden Oaks Elementary School Helms Community Learning Center Lindale Assembly of God Church Charles Eliot Elementary School

2112 Crockett Street

Houston

77007-3923

1100 Merrill Street Houston 3311 Beauchamp Ave. Houston 803 West Temple Street Houston 9318 Homestead Road Houston 8714 McAvoy Drive Houston 3000 Garrow Street Houston 4410 Navigation Blvd. Houston 5020 Harrisburg Blvd. Houston 10626 Atwell Drive Houston 5308 Buffalo Speedway Houston 500 Clay Street Houston 9802 Stella Link Road Houston 3617 Norris Street Houston 2501 Bell Street Houston 1015 Holman Street Houston 1906 Cleburne Street Houston 14200 Fonmeadow Dr. Houston 2950 Broadway Blvd. Houston 2301 Nagle Street Houston 3202 Trulley Avenue Houston 4528 Leeland Street Houston 1315 Dumble Street Houston 1810 Bluebonnet Place Cir. Houston 7625 Springhill Street Houston 2225 Louisiana Street Houston 900 West Gray Street Houston 501 Lovett Boulevard Houston 6767 Telephone Road Houston 2515 Waugh Drive Houston 2100 Yupon Street Houston 1440 Harold Street Houston 4100 Montrose Blvd.

Houston 5102 Dabney Street Houston 212 Parkview Street Houston 1101 Quitman Street Houston 2701 Lee Street Houston 3814 Market Street Houston 4701 Dickson Street Houston 201 East 9th Street Houston 1435 Beall Street Houston 1615 Patterson Street Houston 413 East 13th Street Houston 1000 West 12th Street Houston 1711 Rutland Street Houston 2600 Woodhead Street Houston 6402 Market Street Houston 7415 Harrisburg Blvd. Houston 7521 Avenue H Houston 801 Broadway Street Houston 6301 South Loop 610 East Houston 3502 Bellfort Street Houston 6901 Avenue I Houston 6401 Arnot Street Houston 5525 Kansas Street Houston 541 South 75th Street Houston 901 Sue Barnett Drive Houston 503 W 21st Street Houston 504 Caplin Street Houston 6411 Laredo Street Houston

77009-6099 77009 77095 77016 77074-7308 77003 77011-1036 77011-4135 77096-4925 77005 77002 77025-4697 77025-3699 77003 77004 77004-4131 77035-5218 77017-1794 77004-1432 77004 77023-3047 77023-1999 77019 77021-6033 77002-8625 77019 77006-4020 77061 77006-2598 77006-1830 77006-3730 77006-4938 77026-3015 77009 77009-7815 77026-6924 77020 77077 77007-1601 77008 77007-3405 77008-7021 77008 77008-4011 77098-1697 77020 77011 77012-1199 77012-2195 77087-1933 77011-2698 77007 77007 77023 77018-5415 77008-1943 77022 77020-4930

0080 0085 0086 0087 0089 0094 0095 0105 0107 0109 0117 0122 0123 0128 0129 0130 0131 0132 0133 0134 0135 0136 0137 0138 0139 0140 0142 0144 0145 0146 0148 0152 0153 0154 0156 0158 0159 0160 0161 0162 0163 0164 0166 0167 0168 0169 0171 0172 0175 0176 0177 0178 0179 0180 0181 0182 0183 0184 0185 0186 0187 0189 0192

0080 0085 0086 0087 0089 0181 0095 0105 0107 0109 0117 0122 0123 0128 0129 0130 0131 0132 0133 0134 0135 0136 0137 0138 0139 0140 0211 0144 0145 0146 0148 0152 0153 0154 0156 0158 0159 0160 0161 0162 0163 0164 0166 0544 0168 0169 0171 0231 0175 0176 0177 0178 0179 0180 0181 0182 0183 0184 0185 0854 0062 0189 0192

Judson Robinson Elementary School 12425 Woodforest Drive Houston Saint Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church 3530 Wheeler Ave. Houston Houston ISD Central Region Building 812 West 28th Street Houston West University Scout House 6108 Edloe Street Houston Southside Place Park Clubhouse 3743 Garnet Street Houston Pearl Rucker Elementary School 5201 Vinett Street Houston Wolfe Elementary School Addicks Campus 502 Addicks Howell Rd. Houston Clark Park Community Center 9718 Clark Road Houston Berry Elementary School 2310 Berry Road Houston G W Carver Contemporary High School 2100 South Victory St. Houston Langwood Baptist Church 4134 Southerland Road Houston John F Kennedy Elementary School 400 Victoria Drive Houston Montrose Branch Houston Public Library 4100 Montrose Blvd.

Houston Bellaire Civic Center 7008 South Rice Avenue Bellaire Briargrove Elementary School 6145 San Felipe Street Houston Briargrove Park Property Owners Building 2301 Seagler Road Houston Almeda United Methodist Church 14300 Almeda School Rd. Houston Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church 10960 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston West University Colonial Park Recreation Ctr. 4130 Byron Street Houston Garden Villas Park Community Center 6720 South Haywood Dr. Houston River Oaks Recreation Center 3601 Locke Lane Houston Saint James Episcopal Church 3129 Southmore Blvd. Houston Greenway Inn and Suites 2929 Southwest Fwy Houston TO BE DETERMINED Lamar Senior High School 3325 Westheimer Road Houston Thompson Elementary School 6121 Tierwester Street Houston Charlton Park Recreation Center 8200 Park Place Blvd. Houston New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church 4609 Hirsch Road Houston Wesley United Methodist Church 7225 Homestead Road Houston Platou Community Center 11655 Chimney Rock Rd Houston Roberts Elementary School 6000 Greenbriar Street Houston Shady Lane Park Community Center 10220 Shady Lane Houston Janowski Elementary School 7500 Bauman Road Houston HCC Southeast College Building D 6815 Rustic Street Houston Lora B Peck Elementary School 5001 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston Reynolds Elementary School 9601 Rosehaven Drive Houston Bruce Elementary School 510 Jensen Drive Houston YMCPA 1701 Bringhurst Street Houston Julia C Hester House 2020 Solo Street Houston Woodland Acres Elementary School 12936 Sarah Lane Houston First Baptist Church of Jacinto City 10701 Wiggins Street Jacinto City Clinton Park Community Center 200 Mississippi Street Houston Saint Anne de Beaupre Catholic Church 2810 Link Road Houston Ross Elementary School 2819 Bay Street Houston Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 4812 Bennington Street Houston A B Anderson Academy 7401 Wheatley Street Houston Hill Zion Missionary Baptist Church 8317 Curry Road Houston Golfcrest Elementary School 7414 Fairway Street Houston Mark Twain Elementary School 7500 Braes Boulevard Houston Lovett Elementary School 8814 South Rice Avenue Houston TO BE DETERMINED Harris County Public Health Environmental Building 2223 West Loop South Houston Freed Park Clubhouse 6818 Shadyvilla Lane Houston M E Foster Elementary School 3919 Ward Street Houston Pearl Rucker Elementary School 5201 Vinett Street Houston Horn Elementary School 4530 Holly Street Bellaire West University Community Building 6104 Auden Street Houston Independence Hall Apartments 6 Burress Street Houston Ralph G Goodman Elementary School 9325 Deer Trail Drive Houston Tuffly Park Recreation Center 3200 Russell Street Houston Denver Harbor Park Community Center 6402 Market Street Houston Oak Forest Elementary School 1401 West 43rd Street Houston B T Washington High School 119 East 39th Street Houston

77013 77004 77008 77005 77005-3715 77017-4958 77079-2397 77076-5299 77093-7418 77088-7699 77092-4417 77022 77006-4938 77401-4495 77057 77042-2997 77047 77048-1896 77005 77061 77027 77004 77098 77098-1099 77021-1244 77017-3105 77026-2745 77028-3847 77035-2807 77030-1143 77093 77076 77087 77021 77051-3199 77020 77020-8314 77020 77015-6396 77029 77029 77009-1196 77026 77035 77088-7845 77093-8307 77087 77025 77096-2622 77027 77055-5200 77021 77017-4958 77401-5599 77005-2814 77022 77088-1999 77026-4728 77020 77018-4106 77018-6599

0193 0194 0195 0196 0197 0198 0200 0201 0202 0203 0204 0206 0207 0210 0211 0212 0213 0214 0215 0216 0217 0218 0219 0221 0222 0223 0224 0226 0227 0228 0229 0230 0231 0232 0233 0234 0235 0236 0237 0238 0239 0240 0243 0247 0255 0256 0259 0261 0268 0269 0270 0271 0272 0274 0275 0276 0281 0282 0284 0285 0286 0287 0288

0193 0194 0195 0544 0197 0198 0200 0201 0202 0203 0204 0206 0207 0210 0211 0212 0213 0214 0215 0216 0217 0218 0219 0221 0222 0223 0224 0226 0227 0228 0229 0230 0231 0232 0233 0234 0235 0236 0237 0238 0239 0240 0422 0247 0255 0256 0259 0677 0268 0269 0270 0271 0272 0274 0275 0276 0281 0282 0284 0285 0286 0287 0288

Third Ward Multi Service Center 3611 Ennis Street Houston MacGregor Elementary School 4801 LaBranch Street Houston Burrus Elementary School 701 East 33rd Street Houston Ross Elementary School 2819 Bay Street Houston Osborne Elementary School 800 Ringold Street Houston Emancipation Park Community Center 3018 Dowling Street Houston West Gray Adaptive Recreation Center 1475 West Gray Street Houston Dominion Christian Centre 4221 Liberty Road Houston Wheatley Senior High School 4801 Providence Street Houston Juan Sequin Elementary School 5905 Waltrip Street Houston Lazybrook Baptist Church 1822 West 18th Street Houston Monte Beach Park Community Center 915 Northwood Street Houston Saint Albans Episcopal Church 420 Woodard Street Houston Saint Marys Catholic Church 3006 Rosedale Street Houston Charlton Park Recreation Center 8200 Park Place Blvd. Houston Ernest F Mendel Elementary School 3735 Topping Street Houston Hunters Creek Elementary School 10650 Beinhorn Road Houston Gatherings Banquet Hall 5206 Bissonnet Blvd. Bellaire Faith American Lutheran Church 4600 Bellaire Blvd.

Bellaire Montgomery Elementary School 4000 Simsbrook Drive Houston Saint Anne Catholic Church 2140 Westheimer Road Houston Henderson Elementary School 1800 Dismuke Street Houston Mount Olive Baptist Church 3515 Yellowstone Blvd. Houston Meadowcreek Village Park Community Ctr. 5333 Berry Creek Drive Houston Christ The King Lutheran Church Parish Hall 2353 Rice Boulevard Houston Holiday Inn Reliant Park Area 8111 Kirby Drive Houston Linkwood Park Community Center 3699 Norris Drive Houston Ingrando Park Recreation Center 7302 Keller Street Houston River Oaks Elementary School 2008 Kirby Drive Houston HC Courthouse Annex 14 Southeast 5737 Cullen Boulevard Houston Jacinto City Senior and Multi Purpose Ctr. 1025 Oates Road Jacinto City New Mount Carmel Baptist Church 4301 Weaver Road Houston Golfcrest Elementary School 7414 Fairway Street Houston Pershing Middle School 3838 Bluebonnet Blvd. Houston Upper Kirby District Building Conference Rm. 3015 Richmond Avenue Houston Saint Martins Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road Houston Hartsfield Elementary School 5001 Perry Street Houston Norris Chapel United Methodist Church 7415 St Lo Road Houston Jesse Jones High School 7414 St Lo Road Houston Kelso Elementary School 5800 Southmund Street Houston Edgewood Park Community Center 5803 Bellfort Street Houston Mount Moriah Baptist Church 4730 Pederson Street Houston Codwell Elementary School 5225 Tavenor Lane Houston Cuney Homes Community Center 3260 Truxillo Street Houston Red Elementary School 4520 Tonawanda Drive Houston William S Sutton Elementary School 7402 Albacore Drive Houston Pleasantville Elementary School 1431 Gellhorn Drive Houston El Mesias United Methodist Church 406 East Rittenhouse St. Houston Christ Church Presbyterian Fellowship Hall 4925 Bellaire Boulevard Bellaire Saint Martins Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road Houston Clifton Middle School 6001 Golden Forest Dr. Houston Cloverland Park Community Center 11800 Scott Street Houston Unity Church of Christianity 2929 Unity Drive Houston Holiday Inn Express 7625 Katy Freeway Houston Glenbrook United Methodist Church 8635 Glen Valley Drive Houston Bastian Elementary School 5051 Bellfort Street Houston Kolter Elementary School 9710 Runnymeade Dr. Houston Briarmeadow Clubhouse 3203 Freshmeadows Dr. Houston Bonham Elementary School 8302 Braes River Drive Houston J P Cornelius Elementary School 7475 Westover Street Houston Windsor Village Elementary School 14440 Polo Street Houston Willow Meadows Baptist Church 4300 West Bellfort Street Houston Reagan Webb Mading Elementary School 8511 Crestmont Street Houston

77004-4407 77004-5650 77022-5199 77026 77088-6337 77004-3159 77019-4926 77026 77020-6599 77087 77008 77009-3703 77009 77004-6199 77017-3105 77093-5817 77024-3199 77401 77401-4296 77045-5699 77098-1496 77023-4797 77021-2407 77017-6254 77005-2696 77025 77012-3518 77019-6016 77021 77029 77016 77087 77053 77098-3114 77056-2199 77021-3515 77033 77033-2797 77033-1896 77033 77033 77048-2625 77004-4649 77035-3716 77074-6598 77029-3313 77076 77401-4443 77056 77092 77047 77057-5915 77024 77061-2339 77033 77096-4220 77063-6231 77074-4299 77087-6113 77085-3399 77035-3602 77033-1399

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Black banks asked to step up lending NNPA

The U.S. Small Business Administration is asking Black bankers to step up efforts to provide financing for minority entrepreneurs seeking start-up and continuing capital for their businesses.

The move comes as the leaders of the nation’s Black-owned financial institutions gathered in New Orleans during a convention for the Black bankers’ trade association.

The Washington, D.C.-based National Bankers Association meeting featured a presentation on the importance of minority business development by SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns.

“Small businesses in underserved communities need to have access to capital to grow,” Johns says, but, to date, Black banks across

the country have not been a traditional source for would-be and existing business owners to seek out when exploring financing options.

“There has been a dearth of participation in the lending process,” Johns says, “because some of our requirements may not have been clear in the past. But we’ve listened to financial institutions and we have worked to streamline the process that we have in place.”

SBA doesn’t directly lend to small businesses, but the agency helps to facilitate opportunities for small firms to access capital, including recent initiatives support faster payouts from the federal government to small vendors; a push to allow small businesses to write off $250,000 in investment capital; paperwork reduction efforts; and new tax credit plans.

OCTOBER 18 | 2012 | DEFENDER

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In July, Johns forged a partnership with the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. to develop ways to increase the participation of minority-owned firms in the federal government’s lending process in order to secure funding, something that Johns calls “vital to the health and strength of minority communities.”

Small businesses account for the bulk of economic growth in the United States and employ most of the American workforce. Most Black entrepreneurs operate small businesses, with a large percentage of those firms having only one employee — the owner.

“We are committed to serving all businesses,” Johns says, “but there’s no doubt that minority firms have been hit hard. We believe that the more doors we open for them, the more dollars they’ll receive.”

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

sports

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City welcomes Comcast SportsNet Houston football game,” Hutchings said.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s Houston, Dallas or El Paso. The If you’ve been anxiously ansame can be said for action in ticipating an enjoyable evening of Arkansas, Oklahoma or Louisiexciting Houston Rockets preseason ana for that matter. Audiences basketball and can’t seem to find enjoy it and we want to feature them on your TV, they’ve moved – it. to Comcast SportsNet Houston.

“In addition, we’ve talked It is the new regional all sports to area colleges, both little and network, a joint venture between large,” he said. “We’ve had the Astros, Rockets and NBC Sports talks with the people in Tyler Group/Comcast. The network reat Tyler Junior College. We’ve cently began broadcasting from their spoken with folks at Sam Housnew 32,000-square foot, state-ofton, UTEP, Houston and Rice,” the-art studios located in downtown Hutchings said.

Houston (the Pavilion).

“We’ve been over to TSU President and general manager and up to Prairie View because of Comcast SportsNet Houston, we understand the legacy of Matt Hutchings, explained how the HBCUs. Our regional footprint conglomerate came to be. is somewhat expansive, but our “The network is the vision of goal is to represent it well. We the teams [Astros and Rockets] that also want to incorporate some made a decision that they wanted to college intern opportunities get into the TV business,” Hutchings On “Sports Talk Live,” Tania Gangul, Kevin Eschenfelder and Lemont Williams discuss athletics. for students who are interested said. “They could control the brands in our industry. By in large I of their two teams and be more involved in how want us to be good corporate citizens of the the teams would be covered. Ultimately they region we broadcast to.” made the decision to go with Comcast.

As part of the daily programming, the “As a network we’re anchored by the Rocknetwork will feature a daily talk show from ets and the Astros, that’s our core,” Hutchings 5 p.m.-6 p.m., a live sports newscast from 6 continued. “In addition we’ll provide a lot of p.m.-6:30 p.m., 10 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and midshoulder programming. We’ll do more player night-12:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, as profiles, coaches’ shows, management discuswell as additional weekend programming, sions, all the things that go around the teams. all from the regional perspective.

That’s important because they both have Future programming notes of interest invery young teams and these types of shows clude the homecoming doubleheader broadhelp fan and viewers connect with those playcast of Prairie View vs. Alcorn at 2:30 p.m. ers.” and FCS powerhouse Sam Houston State Local autonomy is a key element to the against McNeese at 7 p.m., both on Oct. 20. allure of Comcast SportsNet Houston.

UH vs. UTEP highlights the program“The key for Comcast SportsNet Houston ming on Oct. 27 at 3:30 p.m. In addition, it is that all of the decisions are made locally,” was recently announced that NBA Hall of Bill Doleman and Williams talk sports on the set of “Saturday Tailgate.”

Hutchings said.

Famer Calvin Murphy has returned to Rocket In addition to the Astros and Rockets, the goal “We’re not required as a regional network to broadcasts as part of the pre- and post-game covis to feature local programming from the entire carry any national product. All the programming region, with emphasis on high school and college erage of the team. and scheduling is done here. We have access to Presently, Comcast SportsNet Houston is sports.

NBC programming, but no requirements. That’s available to all carriers, satellite or cable. They Hutchings, a product of Friendswood and a different from many regional carriers.”

Texas A&M University graduate, believes quality have working agreements with all Comcast netComcast SportsNet Houston’s footprint works. They also have agreements in place with local programming will be an additional key to encompasses five states: Texas, Oklahoma, local carriers that cover outlying areas of Brazothe station’s success.

Louisiana, Arkansas and parts of New Mexico. ria County and regions throughout East Texas.

“There’s nothing like a good high school

By MAX EDISON Defender

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

OCTOBER 18 | 2012 DEFENDER

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h.s.zone

sportsbriefs

Wheatley sports pair of aces

By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender

One is the best player on offense. The other is the best player on defense.

The tandem gives the Wheatley High School varsity football team a chance to win every weekend.

Wheatley running back Keon Taylor took his second carry of the game 43 yards for a touchdown in what would turn out to be his biggest game of the 2012 season.

With the Wildcats badly in need of a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, Taylor finished the game with 291 rushing yards on 25 carries as Wheatley defeated Houston Stephen F. Austin 34-20 at Barnett Stadium.

Taylor added scoring runs of 35, 77 and 57 yards to help offset the losses of starting quarterback Allen Rivera and leading wide receiver David Williams due to injuries. Four schools from District 21-4A will earn berths to the playoffs.

“We finally came through,” he said. “I kept looking for a breakthrough in those early losses and I guess I had to step up. I wanted to get all the yards that I could get and keep on pushing.”

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Marcus Loud was trying to solve an Austin offense that answered each of Wheatley’s first

Keon Taylor (left) and Marcus Loud are two of Wheatley’s stars.

three touchdowns with touchdowns of their own.

Taylor was even called on to make some key stops on defense.

Keon did what he does best,” Loud said.

“We needed a big performance from him and he just did it.”

Leading 20-19 with one minute, 23 seconds left in the third quarter, Wheatley scored the final 14 points of the contest to secure a much-need win and get ready for upcoming games against Lee, Waltrip, Davis and unbeaten North Forest that will tell the story of the 2012 season.

“Marcus kept telling us all night that we have to step up and make plays,” Taylor said. “After we’d been losing, he kept saying that we have to make a turnaround.”

Barnett Stadium athletic trainer Wesley Speights gave Loud some words of encouragement at halftime.

“I just told Marcus that he needed to make

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his presence felt more in the second half,” Speights said. “I reminded him that the college scouts had been to all of his games this season and he never knew who was in the stands.

“He did a much better job in the second half,” Speights said. “When he registered that [quarterback] sack late in the game, he looked over at me and pointed.”

Coming into the

season, Loud wanted to win the district championship and settle for no less than first place during his senior season.

“We’ve had some injuries and we’ve got some young players that have had to grow up fast and learn on the run,” Loud said. “But we came together in this game and showed what we could accomplish if we work together.”

Taylor says his teammates’ best days are ahead of them.

“We put all that hard work in during the summer and kept pushing it in the first part of the season,” Taylor said. “We needed to bounce back and sure enough, we did.

“We’re in a good position to make a run for the playoffs,” Taylor said. “It’s time for us to be eager about what’s ahead of us and I believe we will.”

classified OPPORTUNITIES IN VISION CARE Berkeley Eye Center is currently accepting resumes for employment opportunities within our practice.

Opportunities are available for experienced medical front desk receptionists, opticians and Ophthalmic Assistants at our offices located throughout the Greater Houston Area.

We value team-players who are friendly, flexible people of integrity.

Berkeley Eye Center is Houston’s only vision care practice to be recognized in the Houston Chronicle as a 2011 Top Workplace. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes health, dental and life insurance as well as free vision care, paid time off and holidays.

If you would like to be considered for a position within Berkeley Eye Center please email your resume to: resumes@berkeleyeye.com.

For more information on Berkeley Eye Center we invite you to go to our website berkeleyeye.com.

Twins opt for Kentucky University of Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari is perhaps the top salesman in all of college basketball. He’s managed to convince three of the past five No. 1 overall NBA draft selections to play at least one season with the Wildcats. Fort Bend Travis twins Aaron and Andrew Harrison became the latest top national recruits to pick Kentucky as their college of choice when the seniors recently made the announcement before a national television audience and packed gymnasium at Travis High School. Both 6-feet-5, Andrew is a point guard while Aaron is a shooting guard.

“Coach Calipari said we were his No. 1 priority,” Aaron Harrison said. “I guess he thinks we have a future in basketball.” The Harrison twins led Travis to the Class 5A state title game before losing to Lewisville Flower Mound Marcus last season.

They chose Kentucky over SMU and Maryland.

High school scoring up There’s just no denying it. The numbers keep rolling in week after week. Top-ranked Katy put 70 points on District 19-5A rival Mayde Creek. Other ranked Houston area Class 5A schools put up prodigious numbers in recent victories, including Klein Collins (59), Manvel (52), Pearland (63) and Fort Bend Bush (56). In Class 4A, North Forest has yet to score less than 50 points in any of its six victories. A week earlier, Friendswood defeated Galena Park 79-63 in a game that featured 1,391 yards of offense. Who wants to score 100 points?

Driver’s swan song In what could in all likelihood be his final game in front of his hometown fans, former Milby standout Donald Driver was in uniform when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Texans recently. Driver, the Packers all-time leading receiver, has accomplished much in his 14-year career, despite being a 7th round pick (213th pick overall) from Alcorn State where he was an All-SWAC performer. He’s been a multi- year Pro Bowler, an NFL Walter Peyton Man of the Year winner, a Packer MVP and a Super Bowl champion. “It’s been truly amazing,” Driver said. “When I got to Green Bay I didn’t know what to expect, I was just trying to make it from year to year. All the accomplishments over the years have been truly amazing to me. I just hope that when I do hang it up the accomplishments will be enough to make it to the Packer Ring of Honor.”

JJ Watt honored Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month (September) after leading the NFL in sacks and helping the Texans to a 4-0 record in September. Watt is the third Texan to win defensive player of the month honors in franchise history. He has helped the Texans defense hold opponents to League-lows of 273.0 yards per game and 14.0 points per game. He accounted for more than half of Houston’s 13 sacks in September and became the first Texan player to record more than one sack in four consecutive games.

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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2012

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For Event Coverage...visit

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Jan Crawford, Ernie Sadau, Mary Lynch and VeLois Bowers

Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc., Cathy Hughes

Ms. Wheelchair Texas Tina X. Williams

chag’splace

Dr. Julianne Malveaux and Andrea R. Price

Anderia Babineaux, Linda Ragland, Paul Bucher and Kamilah Brown

Beverly Glover and Roy L. Hawkins, Jr.

Nzinga Rideaux, Victor Washington and Carolyn Campbell

.Councilman C. O. Bradford, Rachel Burley, Artist Doyle Burley and John Guess, Jr.

EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE…..The National impacts are shaping public opinion in the 21st century Association of Health Services Executives held its America. Kudos to Andrea Price, national president; 27th Annual Educational Conference headquartered Roy Hawkins Jr., president-elect; and Beverly Glover, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This conference brought national executive director, for a successful conference. together leaders from the healthcare Continued success!.....A SPECIAL field to influence and support RECEPTION…..The staff and Join Yvette Chargois members who are engaged in management of News 92FM hosted Events of the Week efforts to reduce health disparities, a reception honoring Cathy Hughes, More photos on defendernetwork.com embrace cultural competency, founder and chairperson of Radio One, See Events on KTRK Ch.13’s Crossroads Inc., the largest African-American and foster health equity for all with Melanie Lawson Sunday Morning @ 11 a.m. owned and operated broadcastpeople. The conference workshops, company in the nation. It is also programs and activities focused the first African-American company in radio history on providing their members and participants with to dominate several major markets simultaneously knowledge, education, training and tools they can use and the first woman-owned radio station to rank No. to anticipate, understand, and adapt to the evolving 1 in any major market. Radio One is now a public healthcare industry. Economist, author, commentator company, making Cathy the first, and only, Africanand past president of Bennett College for Women, Dr. American woman to chair a publicly held corporation.

Julianne Malveaux, was the keynote speaker at one of We salute everyone at Radio One for a great party!.... the luncheons. Her contributions to public dialogue on COMMUNITY MURAL UNVEILED…..In honor issues such as race, culture, gender and their economic

Ellen Goudeau, Claire Shynett and Gerri Royal

of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA) along with partners and sponsors unveiled “A Broad View of the Abilities of People with disAbilities.” The mural was created by Houston artist Doyle Burley and depicts that most people have disabilities of one kind of another. The 4-foot-tall and 10-foot-wide mural highlights the diverse faces in our community. The unveiling ceremony, hosted by City Councilman C.O. “Brad” Bradford, launched a citywide traveling mural tour to increase awareness about the contributions of Americans with disabilities to both our workforce and our society. Program participants included Dr. Steven Schnee, executive director of MHMRA; Ellen Goudeau, Houston Commission on Disabilities chair; Tina Williams, member of the Houston Commission on Disabilities and Ms. Wheelchair Texas and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Troop 242 Color Guard. Keep up the good work!.....From Chag’s Place to your place, have a blessed week!

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