FEATURE
BEYONCÉ, JAY Z RAISE OVER $6 MILLION FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH P7
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Volume 88 | Number 1 OCTOBER 25, 2018 FREE
NEWSTALK
DOMESTIC ABUSE Educating our sons
SHEILA JACKSON LEE shoots down Trump’s prosperity claims
P2 NATIONAL CLARENCE THOMAS dissent on SCOTUS could affect Census
P4
H PAGE 8
H.S. SPORTS ALEX HOGAN
does it all for Lamar
P15
Michelle Williams stars in reality TV
The former Destiny’s Child member is taking a stab at reality TV in a new OWN series, which will take an honest, inside look at the path to marriage between the Grammy Award-winning singer and Chad Johnson, sports chaplain to professional sports organizations. H PAGE 6
Andre Hal
beats cancer
TOP EVENTS
The Texans starting safety has kept the faith after his Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and is in remission. He elected to forego traditional chemotherapy and described the treatment that allowed him to return this season. Read about his journey of healing. H PAGE 14
Eraka Williams and Melanie Lawson at the Showtime at the Apollo Links Style event.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 18 | 2018
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VOTE EARLY THROUGH NOV. 2
The Nov. 6 election is fast approaching, and Texans have until Friday, Nov. 2 to vote early. The Harris County Clerk’s office is operating 46 early voting locations. Here are some things to know:
S y of TTING VOTE RECORDre-SsideEnts set a new record for the firanst63da,000
ith more th Harris County rm election, w te id experienced m a in g d County also en early votin B rt Fo . ts llo early ba voters casting a surge.
THE BALLO
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Congressman Al Green
Congressman Joaquin Castro
Marc Veasey
Democratic lawmakers dispute Trump claims Defender News Services
Some key Democratic leaders are issuing a report showing that Texans’ wages are falling, and millions of the state’s residents are in danger of losing their health care. Texas U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green, Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey are rolling out the third in a new series of state-level reports outlining in stark detail how GOP control of Washington has undermined the health and economic security of Texan families. The report examines what the lawmakers call the Republicans’ broken promises on the core economic issues at the heart of House Democrats’ For the People agenda: health costs and prescription drug prices, the GOP tax scam, stagnant real wages and unmet infrastructure needs. During a recent conference call blasting Trump’s claims of prosperity, the Democratic lawmakers pointed out how the GOP tax scam has exploded the national debt. “The tax scam added two trillion dollars to the national debt. It has fallen short and has nothing to offer,” said Jackson Lee. Hourly wages for Texas workers have also dropped 1.4 percent from January 2017 to August 2018, when factoring in inflation, according to congressional research cited in the
Democrats’ report. “During the 2016 campaign Trump came to Texas and told his supporters he was going to turn it around. The facts and figures show that the president hasn’t kept that promise to hard-working Texans,” said Veasey. “We have had over 35,000 notices of plants closing and mass layoffs in the state, and also health care premiums are rising. In addition, student loan debt is very real. For so many people out there, it is almost insurmountable.” The lawmakers were hoping to draw attention to what they see as many of the Republican Party’s shortcomings hours before Trump arrived in the Lone Star State for a packed rally at the Toyota Center. The group of lawmakers issued a report that showed not only the declining hourly wages for Texans, but also the dangers many residents could face if the GOP is successful in rolling back provisions of the Affordable Care Act. More than 11.5 million Americans stand to lose health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions such as asthma and diabetes, according to Jackson Lee. She said the Trump-led Republican Party was “sticking it to our children with a bill for a massive tax break for big pharma and big corporations,” and that middle-class seniors and veterans would feel many of the effects.
Voters are enco T uraged to stud y th ensure they m ake the right ch e long Nov. 6 ballot online to oices. According Clerk Stan Stan to Harris Coun art, of the cont ty ests on the ba 15 percent are llot, approximat statewide, 79 el pe y rcent are coun percent are dist tywide and 6 rict contests. M ore than 70 pe contests appe rcent of the aring on some voters’ midterm are for judicial election ballots positions.
R ID READ: TeYxas driver license, Texas HAVE YOfoUrm on s of photo ID nal identificati
, Texas perso w Acceptable identification certificate ca fi ti en id t, U.S. military on or sp electi as p , se s ndgun licen ng the person’ card, Texas ha ificate containi rt ce p hi ns ze ti tion card or ci t document h. p ra g a governmen to of al pho in ig or istration ng a copy or ress, voter reg d ad w If no ID, bri d an e m ernment e voter’s na atement, gov st k that shows th an b , ill b rrent utility certificate, cu cate. ID, the or birth certifi k ec ch ay p of supporting k, s rm chec fo e th of laration . nting one pediment Dec Im w After prese le b na so ecute a Rea voter must ex
KNOW THE
HOURS. Oct. 22 - Oct. 26: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ~ O Oct. 28: 1 p.m. ct. 27: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. ~ Oct. 7 p.m. ~ 29 - Nov. 2 : 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO
www.HarrisVotes.com, www.fortbendcountytx. gov, www.brazoriacountyclerk.net
localbriefs METRO IS OFFERING FREE RIDES TO THE POLL. Exercise your right to vote with free round-trip service to area polling locations from METRO. Free transportation will be available during: Early Voting, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. To receive free rides, just inform bus operators and/or fare inspectors you are going to, or returning from, the polls. METRO’s Customer Care team is also available to answer questions and provide trip planning information. Contact 713-6354000 for more information.…..MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER SIGNED AN
AGREEMENT MAKING Qatar the founding donor to the new Mayor’s Fund to Reduce Homelessness. The Arab country recently gave a gift of $2.5 million to aid Texas’ long-term recovery from Hurricane Harvey. The City of Houston, partnering with more than 100 local agencies through The Way Home initiative, slashed homelessness by more than half in the metropolitan area since 2011. But flooding from Harvey temporarily halted the historic progress. The Qatar Harvey Fund’s total commitment is $30 million and will provide transitional housing for chronically homeless individuals dealing with mental illness and
substance abuse…….TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY WILL SOON ADD a Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft to its fleet. The fixedwing aircraft was awarded to TSU as part of a Top Hawk contest, where TSU had to submit a short video entry that provided an overview of its aviation and pilot training program, and detailed how it would utilize the Skyhawk not only for training but also to market the program in greater Houston and the surrounding region. The program will have use of the Skyhawk, which will be delivered in TSU maroon and gray colors, for nine months beginning in early spring 2019.
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OCTOBER 25 | 2018 | DEFENDER
In memoriam:
Beto with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Al Calloway The late Alfred “Al” Calloway, a former Houston City Councilmember and Harris County justice of the peace who died at age 77, is remembered as the ultimate public servant. He was elected to the City Council in 2000 representing District D until 2005. He later became an executive staff member for former Mayors Bob Lanier and Lee P. Brown. He was instrumental in the establishment of the African American Museum at the Gregory School. He retired as a justice of the peace and continued to serve as a visiting judge. Calloway graduated from Wheatley High School and earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University. After college, he became a community organizer and volunteer at Kelly Village. He later worked to establish Houston’s second AfricanAmerican-owned bank, Kings State Bank. He was involved in numerous community activities, including serving as president of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include his wife Linda Calloway, daughter Keitha Farrington and two brothers.
On the ballot
The Defender has been featuring Black women on the ballot. Here are two Republican women running for area offices.
Beto O’Rourke
DEMOCRAT RUNNING TO REPRESENT ALL 28 MILLION TEXANS IN THE U.S. SENATE
Beto O’Rourke is a father and husband who has served communities as a small business owner, City Council member and now member of Congress. Beto is running a grassroots campaign for U.S. Senate that has taken him to all 254 counties of Texas so that he can listen to and learn from those he wants to serve and represent.
WORKING TOGETHEr, beto believes we can achieve: « An economy that works for all Texans—one with good-paying jobs and a fair shot at economic success
« Guaranteed, universal health care for all so that every Texan can get the care they need
« A high-quality education for every single child by keeping public school dollars in public schools and ensuring educational equity
Angelina Gooden Judge, 280th Family Domestic Violence Court
« Comprehensive justice system reform that ends mass
incarceration, private prisons, the federal prohibition on marijuana, mandatory minimums, and the cash bail system
VOTE NOVEMBER 6, 2018 | EARLY VOTE OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 2 Melanie Flowers Judge, 257th Family District Court
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BETOFORTEXAS.com
PAID FOR BY BETO FOR TEXAS
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 25 | 2018
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Supreme Court dissent could lead to ‘racist’ Census Defender News Services
The Supreme Court ruled that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross does not have to reveal his motives for adding a question on citizenship to the 2020 U.S. Census. The ruling on what some say is a racist question was a major victory for President Donald Trump. Justice Clarence Thomas was reportedly among the judges’ leading voices with the dissenting opinion that overturned a lower court’s prior ruling that sided with immigrant rights activists. Despite their desire to keep a low, nonpartisan profile following the three-month Senate battle to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the justices were forced to enter a dispute that could affect the political and financial clout of immigrant communities. The issue was whether Ross, who oversees the Census, and other officials can be questioned
by lawyers for opponents seeking to block the citizenship question. The court’s unsigned order specified only that Ross should be immune from questioning. Thomas and Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented in part to make clear that they would have absolved other government officials as well from what they termed an “inquisition.” Ross announced the addition of the citizenship question in March, but it has been tied up in court ever since. The government has not asked about individuals’ citizenship on the Census since 1950. The ruling was also crucial because the Census is used to tally an accurate headcount of people living in the U.S. With the renewed threat of surveillance and deportation, it is doubtful many noncitizens will participate. Of the roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants in America, about 600,000 of them are Black. According to the Brookings Institute, without an accurate Census, “many states and cities will be denied the full funding they deserve and need, and the federal government will have to fly blind for a decade across a range of important areas.” Justice Clarence Thomas
GEORGIA DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE STACEY ABRAMS is running neck-and-neck against her GOP rival in the polls. Republican nominee Brian Kemp held the slimmest of leads among likely Georgia voters, 47-46, over Abrams, according to a recent poll. The race is stunningly close in a state that last elected a Democrat (Roy Barnes) for governor in 1998. If Abrams wins, she will become the nation’s first African-American woman governor. Part of the reason for the close race is the demographic changes taking place across the state. Metro Atlanta’s nonwhite population almost doubled from 1970 to 2015, and those minority voters largely support Democrats. At the same time, Georgia has seen a record number of people register to vote for the midterm election…….THE NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT SUSPENDED use of almost 3,000 body cameras after one of them “exploded,” according to a statement from the department. Police said that an officer noticed smoke coming out of the bottom of his body camera and removed it immediately. The device exploded right after removal. No one was injured. All officers with that type of camera were told to remove them and return them to their commands……..A NEW REPORT SHOWS CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS (CPS) remain segregated along racial lines. The city, following a pattern more commonly seen in the South, has seemingly resegregated students. Many schools serve certain ethnicities in various neighborhoods in Chicago, with students grouped together by race and class. This is possible because school districts can re-zone in ways that can either bolster integration or hinder it. The school district’s population of white and Black students can also impact segregation. In Chicago, 8.9 percent of Chicago Public School (CPS) students are white, a fact that has been criticized as a persuasion against integration in the city’s schools. It’s unclear what solutions will be put into place to address segregation.
Ad warns Blacks about Democratic lynchings “If the Democrats can do that to a white justice of the Supreme Court,” one of the women says, “what will happen to our husbands, our A super PAC’s new ad for an Arkansas fathers, or our sons, when a white girl lies on Republican used Brett Kavanaugh’s contentious them?” confirmation to argue that Democrats could bring The second woman replies: “White Demoback lynchings against Black men. It was quickly crats will be lynching Black folk again.” and widely denounced – including by the congressThe nearly $50,000 ad buy has been runman it was designed to support. ning in radio slots for about a week and a half, The radio ad was created by a group calling according to Vernon Robinson, who co-founded itself Black Americans for the President’s Agenda to the pro-Trump super PAC behind the ad. support Rep. French Hill in his re-election campaign Vernon Robinson Robinson, a Black 63-year-old activist against Democrat Clarke Tucker. Both Hill and and former congressional candidate who led the effort Tucker are white. to draft Ben Carson for president in 2015, called the ad The ad takes the form of a conversation between two Black “payback” for the Kavanaugh hearings, according to the women discussing the sexual misconduct allegations levied fringe conservative site Populist Media. against Kavanaugh.
VOLUME 88 • NUMBER 1 OCTOBER 25, 2018
Defender News Services
Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler
Strategic Alliance Manager
Clyde Jiles Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Photographers
Ray Carrington III Jimmie Aggison
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writer Aswad Walker Sports Max Edison Jodie B. Jiles Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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$2 billion needed for Harvey housing damage logical data and hydraulic modeling, the researchers have attempted to “understand who was impacted, not just which buildings,” the report said. An estimated 130,000 Houstonians afAlthough the first task is determining the storm’s overfected by Harvey were overlooked in the city’s all cost, McCasland said the city wants “to ensure that this original housing needs assessment, according recovery’s success is graded upon how well we’re getting to the Houston Housing and Community the funding through to the most vulnerable populations.” Development Department. And there’s a lot left to do: A dozen low-income To fix the previously neglected damage, neighborhoods saw home damage that totaled more than the city needs an extra $2 billion in federal half the residents’ incomes, according to the report, which resources, the agency said in an recent report. found that just over a fifth of the federal aid earmarked for The $3 billion in federal relief money Houston so far has gone to lowand middle-income neighthe city already received from the National borhoods. Flood Insurance Program, FEMA individual Using the data the assistance and loans from the Small BusiHousing and Community researchers collected, the ness Administration mostly went to wealthier Development Open city plans to reach out to neighborhoods, according to the report. House/Public Hearing residents in low-income The extra funding the report requests Wednesday, November 7 @ 6 p.m. Residences throughout Houston suffered damage from Hurricane neighborhoods as the would have to come from additional congres- Harvey. Northeast Multi-Service Center, release date for the adsional appropriations, said Sarah Labowitz, 9720 Spaulding, 77016 ditional HUD funding of undercounting the true need,” he said. the communications and policy director for Thursday, November 8 @ 6 p.m. approaches. Without Data scientists and flood engineers worked the housing department. Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, sufficient outreach efwith the city on an eight-month study to create There’s another $1.17 billion in housing relief coming from 9314 Cullen, 77051 forts, McCasland said, the report, marking a new strategy for disaster the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the most vulnerable relief assessment. Previous assessments relied on December, and this report’s findings will play a part in how that populations often “get to being served right about the time the approved FEMA individual assistance claims, which are often difmoney is distributed, said Tom McCasland, the city’s director of money runs out.” ficult to access for low-income, disabled and elderly populations housing and community development. Thirty percent of Houston households sustained Harvey– the people most likely to still be struggling to recover. The agency is trying to get an accurate accounting of unmet related damage and 10 percent had water inside their homes, By studying socioeconomic data and the demographic needs in areas damaged by Harvey’s flooding, McCasland said. according to the report. makeup of households in conjunction with flood maps, meteoro“The way they have counted for years now puts us in a position Texas Tribune
T:9.75”
CMYK
A re-newed focus: you. New customers can qualify for a $500 bonus,* and get access to our team of personal bankers who are there to help you with your banking needs. In order to qualify, you must be a new Wells Fargo customer and: • Open a new consumer checking account with a minimum deposit of $25, and within 150 days set up and receive at least 3 consecutive monthly direct deposits of $500 or more a month, and • Open a new consumer savings account with a minimum deposit of $25, and within 10 days, deposit at least $25,000 in new money, and maintain a balance of at least $25,000 for 90 days T:6.5”
• This limited-time offer expires November 16, 2018. Visit a participating* Wells Fargo branch and talk to a banker today! Your bonus will be deposited into your new consumer checking account within 45 days after eligibility and qualifications are met. Find a branch near you: wellsfargo.com/locator *Important things to know about this offer: Checking and Savings Bonus Eligibility: Only certain consumer checking accounts are eligible for this offer, including non-interest bearing checking accounts. Ask a personal banker for details. Teen Checking,SM Greenhouse by Wells Fargo, and the prepaid Wells Fargo EasyPay® Card are not eligible for this offer. All consumer savings accounts are eligible for this offer, excluding Time Accounts (CDs). This is an exclusive, non-transferable offer. A valid bonus offer code will be provided to each customer while meeting with a banker. You cannot be: a current owner on a Wells Fargo consumer checking or savings account, a Wells Fargo team member, or a recipient of a consumer checking or savings bonus in the past 12 months (limit one bonus per customer). Offer is only available to customers in the following states: AK, DC, ID, MN, NJ, NE, TX, WY. Bonus Qualifications: To receive a $500 bonus: 1. Open a new, eligible consumer checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 by November 16, 2018. Within 150 days of account opening, set up and receive at least three consecutive monthly qualifying direct deposits of at least $500 each month. During this time, your account balance must be at least $1.00 or more. A qualifying direct deposit is the customer’s salary, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income of an accumulated $500 or more, electronically deposited through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to this checking account by your employer, or an outside agency. A non-qualifying direct deposit is a transfer from one account to another, or deposits made at a Wells Fargo branch or ATM. AND 2. Open a new, eligible savings account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 by November 16, 2018 and within 10 days of account opening, deposit at least $25,000 in new money into either the new checking or new savings account, and maintain at least a $25,000 cumulative account(s) balance for 90 days. New money is defined as at least $25,000 in new deposits from sources outside of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., or its affiliates. Due to the new money requirement, accounts may only be opened at your local branch. Offer subject to change and may be discontinued at any time. Offer cannot be: paid without a valid U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (W-9); combined with any other consumer deposit offer. Minimum new money deposit requirement of at least $25,000 is for this offer only and cannot be transferred to another account to qualify for any other consumer deposit offer. If you wish to take advantage of another consumer deposit offer requiring a minimum new money deposit, you will be required to do so with another new money deposit as stated in that offer’s requirements and qualifications. Those who take advantage of this Savings bonus offer cannot also take advantage of any New Dollar promotional interest rate offer during the same promotional period. Offer cannot be reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred, or traded. Bonus Payment: We will deposit the $500 bonus into your new consumer checking account within 45 days after eligibility and qualifications have been met. Checking account must remain open in order to receive the bonus payment. You are responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes due on your bonus, and we will report as income to the tax authorities if required by applicable law. Consult your tax advisor. New account open subject to approval. Checking and savings accounts are subject to monthly service fees; please refer to the Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule (available at www.wellsfargo.com/online-banking/ consumer-account-fees) or speak to a banker for more details. The consumer savings accounts eligible for this offer are interest-bearing accounts with variable interest rates. For example, Wells Fargo Way2Save® Savings pays an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.01% on all balances and requires a minimum opening deposit of $25. The APY is accurate as of 9/13/2018 and may change at any time without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. © 2018 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 25 | 2018
entertainment
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Michelle Williams, Laila Ali star on OWN Defender News Services
This November, reality TV is front and center on OWN with the series premiere and season premiere of shows starring Michelle Williams, the singer best known as a member of Destiny’s Child, and Laila Ali, the multimedia personality, former boxer and daughter of the late Muhammad Ali. Here is a glimpse of what’s to come: “HOME MADE SIMPLE WITH LAILA ALI” – Season premiere Saturday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. Creating homes that families love to live in is at the core of “Home Made Simple.” The show pairs inspiring families, a team of professional designers, carpenters and special guest artists, who work together with the families to create simple solutions to everyday home challenges and design dilemmas. Host Ali will be working alongside families as they transform their living, work and play spaces, revealing the compelling and inspiring stories of the families behind the makeovers. Ali, who describes herself as a “home cook,” will also teach the families easy recipes from her cookbook, “Food for Life.” The first episode is titled “Kickin’ Home “Chad Loves Michelle” stars Michelle Williams and her real-life fiancé Chad Johnson. Office for a Family Shoe Business.” Newly retired, Dr. Kerry Cox had golf and travel in his sights, but his sons envisioned a family-owned intensive pre-marital counseling to help prepare them for life shoe company instead. On “Home Made Simple,” his vintage home together as husband and wife. Both are relocating to Los Angeles office is turned into a modern and functional space. from different cities in the months leading up to their wedding, “CHAD LOVES MICHELLE” -- Series premiere, but not to the same bedroom. Nov. 3, 8 p.m. Guided by their faith and unwavering values, the couple The new series features an honest, inside look at the path has vowed to consummate the relationship only after they are to marriage between Grammy Award-winning singer Michelle wed. Each episode will feature real issues the couple is tackling Williams, one-third of chart-topping Destiny’s Child, and Chad in their everyday lives, including Williams’ high-profile battle Johnson, sports chaplain to professional sports organizations. with mental health issues and the lessons they learn from the preHaving been together for a year and never in the same city marital counseling sessions that bond them stronger together. for more than seven days, the newly engaged couple is turning to In the first episode, titled “Save the Date,” Williams and her
Laila Ali returns to OWN with her series, “Home Made Simple With Laila Ali.”
new fiancé were about to start planning their dream wedding, but their plans are put on hold after Williams checked herself into a hospital for depression. Williams announced the series on her Instagram page and wrote, “Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Chad and I are so excited to announce a partnership with @owntv in the premiere of our new show Chad Loves Michelle #AndILoveHimToo that we are also executive producers of!” She said people were probably wondering why she and Johnson put themselves “out there.” “This is an awesome, unique opportunity to show what God is doing,” she said. “We mutually wanted to show our journey to marriage…” Johnson has served as chaplain for such teams as the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s white, and commented on his interracial relationship with Williams. “What a special time for our relationship to be on display in that respect with the tension in the world and in our country,” he said.
what’sup Celebrities have shown their support of COLIN KAEPERNICK in various ways, and RIHANNA is joining their ranks. The pop star was reportedly offered a chance to headline the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn’t agree with the NFL’s stance. MAROON 5 will headline the show instead and they are reportedly in talks for CARDI B to be a special guest……..It has been two years since DON CHEADLE said goodbye to his critically-acclaimed Showtime series, “House of Lies,” but the veteran actor is back for a new adventure. Early next year,
he’ll team up with REGINA HALL for “Black Monday,” a new drama on the cable network. Set in the 1980s, it centers on the worst crash in Wall Street history in 1987. Cheadle, will play Maurice Monroe, a “self-educated, self-made, self-destructive master of the universe” whose firm the financial press called ‘the L.A. Raiders of corporate raiders.’” Hall, who has a full slate of projects coming out next year, plays Dawn Darcy, “the first female head trader on the street, who’ll ride the second wave of feminism through a sea of horny millionaires.” The series premieres on Showtime in January 2019……..A songwriter
who claims he was robbed of profits from a 2004 USHER song has been awarded over $44 million in damages. Philadelphia songwriter Daniel Marino claimed that he was cut out of profits to “Bad Girl,” a song recorded by Usher for his 2004 multiplatinum album, “Confessions.” Marino claimed that he created a majority of the song, including the “guitar hook, tempo and chord progression.” A jury awarded Marino $44.35 million, $27 million of which will come from his co-writer William Guice in compensatory and punitive damages. Another $17.35 million will come from Dante Barton, owner of Destro Music Productions.
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Beyoncé and Jay Z raised $6 million for cancer research Defender News Services
When they aren’t touring, Beyoncé and Jay Z keep busy with good deeds. Earlier this year, Bey donated to historically Black colleges and she isn’t slowing down. She and her hubby recently helped raise $6 million for cancer research with the California-based non-profit, City of Hope. After wrapping up their “On the Run II” tour, the power couple hosted a fundraising gala through the organization with guests like Kelly Rowland, Tiffant Haddish, Dr. Dre, Usher, Wiz Khalifa and Quincy Jones in attendance. The 1,200 guests were also treated to a performance from Beyoncé as well. “We find partners in the honorees and the honorees help arrange the talent,” City Of Hope CEO Robert Stone told Forbes about snagging Jay and Bey for the event.” So Jon Platt is a tremendous partner and compassionate and passionate person who’s joined this fight all in. And Jon’s the one who made the call to Beyonce and Jay-Z, who said yes immediately.” Bey makes sure she also gives back to her hometown of Houston. She is continuing to provide relief to help with recovery after Hurricane Harvey.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 25 | 2018
Educating our so d b
STOP By ASWAD WALKER Defender
There is a movement afoot to stop domestic violence before it starts by raising children – especially boys – grounded in respect for all people. The #MeToo movement has become a global phenomenon in large part because of the sad fact that the abuse of women, particularly by spouses and significant others, has been so prevalent for so long. Hence, countless abused women are today retelling their personal stories or telling them for the first time after years of silent suffering. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and according to a 2010 Center for Disease Control (CDC) study, more than 1 in 3 women (35.6 percent) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5 percent) in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. The good news is, there are a bevy of services available for those who need emotional, financial, legal and/or medical support due to abuse. Dr. Obari Cartman To break this cycle of violence, there are a growing number of counseling services and programs to help abusers end their violent ways. A LIFELONG PROC There are also voices being raised that contend the only way to truly end “We must resist that do such violence is to teach young boys the attitudes and actions that will lead tives are more important,” C them to respect women rather than abuse them. According to Dr. Obari Cartwomen aren’t the same. The man, a trauma-focused clinician and restorative justice coach, such lessons want to be safe and valued a demand confronting a culture that promotes abuse. that we teach young men an “It starts with messages like ‘throw like a girl,’ calling a boy a p---y for “It’s a lifelong proces crying, and hitting a girl on the playground and calling it a ‘love tap,’” Cartman said. “We call handsome boys ‘little pimp’ or ‘player.’ All of those messages become the building blocks for value systems that conDefend ceptualize women as weaker, less valuable and able to be objectified.” See Program When such attitudes are mixed with a larger American value system that equates power with dominance rather than with responsibility, and strength with might rather than with compassion, Cartman said ism ingrained in us just lik males who feel weak or frustrated fall back on what they’ve been taught. attitudes,” he said. “In order to feel stronger or more powerful in this moment they use Olivia Rivers, deputy physical strength or manipulation to control or dominate who they perceive to Inc., a Houston-area non-p be weaker and less valuable,” said Cartman, who held a workshop at SHAPE victims of abuse, believes Community Center titled “Manhood, Mental Health & Culture.” He extended “When parents exemp the conversation he began in his book “Lady’s Man: Conversations for Young toward the feelings and em Black Men About Manhood and Relationships.” can thrive,” Rivers said. “I Cartman believes Black boys need to be taught the importance of listen- dren basic social interactio ing to women’s truths and working to understand and value their perspective. Research shows that
Facts &
figures
• 30 to 60 percent of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse childre in the household. • Children who were exposed to violen in the home were 15 times more likely to b physically and/or sexually assaulted than th national average • Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own part-
defendernetwork.com • Serving the
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ons domestic abuse before it starts
Olivia Rivers
CESS
ominant narrative that men’s voices and perspecCartman said. “We must also keep in mind that all ey don’t all want the same things. But they do all and that requires a shifting of fundamental values nd women. ss. Men never are finished reconciling the sex-
derNetwork.com
ms to raise respectful boys
ke white people can never be cured of racist
y director of the Bridge Over Troubled Waters, profit dedicated to supporting and empowering such lessons are best taught by example. plify respect toward one another and respect motions of their children, boys and young men It is important for parents to teach their chilon skills, like saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’” the inverse is true, as well. When youth are
en
nce be he
exposed to negative social interactions, they often mimic them. According to a UNICEF article “Behind Closed Doors: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children,” “The single best predictor of children becoming either perpetrators or victims of domestic violence later in life is whether or not they grow up in a home where there is domestic violence. Studies from various countries support the findings that rates of abuse are higher among women whose husbands were abused as children or who saw their mothers being abused.” Rivers said, “We consciously and unconsciously share our attitudes and issues with the tiny humans in our life. Through our gestures, jokes, comments, and interactions. They learn respect not from what we tell them, but what we model for them.” She added that it’s important to realize that not all abuse is physical. “When society thinks about abuse, most people think about the physical bruises one endures, but the emotional abuse is longer lasting and has a greater impact on a child who is learning social and communication skills,” Rivers said. “Although still developing, children are acutely aware of tension in the home and the tones in which adults speak to one another. “Many men may not consider that how they treat their son’s mother is crafting how that child will treat his future partners or women in general. Our children watch us to learn ‘normal’ behavior and adults provide a template to human interactions; that template can either be one of respect and healthy communication or one of violence and abuse.” Cartman, a father of two sons, agrees with Rivers’ assertion that modeling is needed, and calls for a values battle on all fronts. “We have to be extra vigilant about what our children are exposed to – their music, television, books,” Cartman said. “There are dangerous messages transmitted constantly through every medium possible to create unhealthy values and principles. “We have to teach our children how to be critical thinkers and authentic feelers. We must demonstrate healthy relationships every opportunity possible. We must cultivate parent groups that function like villages with other families with shared interests so that we can shape the social and peer groups of our children. “And we must be more organized and urgent in our efforts to disrupt the educational, economic, political and media systems that perpetuate content that is harmful for our children and families,” he said.
ners and children when they become adults. • A child witnessed violence in 22 percent of intimate partner violence cases filed in state courts. • The most common age when intimate partner violence is first experienced by women is age 18-24 (38.6 percent), age 1117 (22.4 percent), age 35-44 (6.8 percent) and age 45-plus (2.5 percent). For men the
e Houston area for over 85 years
most common age is 18-24 (47.1 percent), 25-34 (30.6 percent), 11-17 (15.0 percent), 35-44 (10.3 percent) and 45-plus (5.5 percent). Sources: National Domestic Violence Hotline; “Physical Violence in American Families” by Strauss, Gelles and Smith; National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey
Tips for parents on raising respectful kids • Model respectful behavior. In order for children to learn how to respect themselves and others, parents must not only model healthy engagement with other adults, but with their children. Learn how to communicate with your child in meaningful ways that show them you respect them too. • Provide kind and firm discipline. Kids make mistakes, but punishments should not be punitive; they should be opportunities to teach them how to improve. Never punish out of anger. • Honor you child’s boundaries. Do not force children to hug or kiss relatives or engage in activities that make them uncomfortable. There is nothing wrong with giving grandma or uncle a highfive only. Teach them how to respect others’ bodies and how others should respect their bodies. • Address disrespect immediately. Have conversations with your child about disrespect. Call it out when they act in ways that are disrespectful and when others are disrespectful to them. Teaching children about respect is not just reminding them about their behavior, but also telling what behavior they should not accept from others. • Engage in important conversations. Don’t be afraid to have age-appropriate conversations with your children about their health and safety. Discussing topics like abuse, violence and secrets is important at an early age with all children. Abuse doesn’t discriminate based on a child’s age or gender. Source: www.thebridgeovertroubledwaters.org
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 25 | 2018 defendernetwork.com
Houston father confronts son’s bully with compassion day yesterday by shopping and teaching this young man about self-respect. Integrity. Morals. Confidence. And other things that consist of goA local father is being applauded for choosing kindness instead of anger when ing from a troubled youth to a great man. “We all come from different backgrounds confronting the boy who’d been bullying his son at school. Their heartening story has been but we all share the same goal of success,” he shared thousands of times, and now the father added. A once-timid Tamarion walked out of says the two boys are closer than ever. the store with confidence, and the two shared Aubrey Fontenot recently uploaded a plenty of laughs, even singing a song on the Twitter video of himself taking the former way home, as seen in Fontenot’s heartwarming bully, whose name is Tamarion, for a ride in an effort to get to the bottom of what was going on video. The life lesson didn’t end there. The dotbetween that child and Fontenot’s son, Jordon. ing father posted a video the following day of Fontenot, a local tattoo artist, said he simply Tamarion and Jordan sitting face to face, albeit wanted to know why his son was being picked awkwardly, to hash out their issues. The boys on. That’s when he got an answer he didn’t didn’t say much to one another at first. expect. “Speak your mind, son,” the tattoo artist It turns out Tamarion was himself being says in the video. “This is a meeting. We’re teased by other kids for wearing dirty clothes. “I asked ‘Who? You’re big, who is picking having a meeting.” Once the camera was off, Fontenot said on you?’ He [Tamarion] said ‘All the other kids, the kids talked things over and were fast friends they make fun of me,’” Fontenot said. in no time, even playing video games together. A phone call to the boy’s mother revealed The father said even he learned something from Tamarion’s family had fallen on hard times watching the two. and was experiencing homelessness. Fontenot “It taught me something. I was angry at said he knew he had to do something and later treated Tamarion to a shopping trip, buying him first, then I said let me try something different,” Fontenot said. new clothes and shoes. Fontenot has since launched a GoFundMe “We have no clue what these children campaign to benefit Tamarion and his family, are going thru these days because a lot of us who’ve been staying at a hotel. So far, the page just don’t care,” Fontenot wrote in an Oct. 17 has raised over $24,000 in donations, more Facebook post. “And this isn’t an uncommon FRO-17031-HoustonDefender-DecentCoffee-9p75x6p5.pdf 3/9/17 goal 3:21ofPM$7,000. than exceeding1its original story for a lot of people .. so I spent a lot of my
Aubrey Fontenot (left) responded with love and compassion after learning his son’s bully was homeless. (Images courtesy of Facebook / Twitter)
Defender News Service
Houston City Controller
Chris B. Brown
Have your voice heard this November!
VOTE! Paid political ad by Chris Brown for Controller Campaign, James L. Robertson, Treasurer.
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OCTOBER 25 | 2018 | DEFENDER
11
Former NFL player Carruth leaves prison Associated Press
Rae Carruth is a free man. The former NFL wide receiver has been released from prison after serving more than 18 years for conspiring to murder the mother of his unborn child. The Carolina Panthers’ 1997 first-round draft pick was released from Sampson Correctional Institution in Clinton, N.C. after completing his sentence of 18 to 24 years. Carruth did not speak to reporters as he left prison wearing a knit cap and an unzipped jacket on a chilly morning with temperatures in the high 30s. There was a smattering of applause when he got into a white SUV and was whisked away. He was taken to an undisclosed location. The 44-year-old Carruth will be on a nine-month post-release program, according to North Carolina Department of Public Safety spokesman Jerry Higgins. Carruth was found guilty of orchestrating a plot to kill Cherica Adams on Nov. 16, 1999, in Charlotte, N.C., to avoid paying child support. Adams was shot four times while driving her car but managed to make a 911 call that helped implicate Carruth. Adams went into a coma and died less than a month later after the shooting. The child she was carrying, Chancellor Lee Adams, was delivered by emergency cesarean section but suffers from permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy. Carruth has never admitted guilt in Adams’ murder, but in a complex 15-page letter to WBTV-TV in Charlotte in February he wrote that “I feel responsible for everything that happened. And I
just want [Saundra Adams] to know that truly I am sorry for everything.” Carruth has repeatedly said he wants to have a relationship with his son, who remains in the custody of his grandmother, Saundra Adams, who has raised him since birth. Ad-
ams had previously said she would be there when Carruth got out of prison, but she was not present. Carruth’s arrest on charges of conspiracy and attempted murder nine days after the shooting sent shockwaves throughout the Panthers organiza-
tion. The team released Carruth and the NFL suspended him indefinitely after he fled the Charlotte area after posting $3 million bail and was found by federal authorities hiding in the trunk of a car in Tennessee.
Rae Carruth was freed after 18 years in a North Carolina prison.
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DEFENDER | OCTOBER 25 | 2018 defendernetwork.com
NOTICE OF HARRIS COUNTY EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE: NOVEMBER 6, 2018 GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS
Notice is hereby given that the polling places will be open from October 22 through November 2 for November 6, 2018, for voting in a General Election to elect Members of Congress, Members of Legislature, and state, district, county and precinct officers as submitted by the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, of the State of Texas. Other jurisdictions appearing on the November 6, 2018 General and Special Elections ballot include the City of Baytown, City of Houston, City of League City, City of Missouri City, City of Nassau Bay, City of Webster, Lone Star College System, Channelview ISD, Crosby ISD, Huffman ISD, Klein ISD, New Caney ISD, Sheldon ISD, Tomball ISD, Bammel Utility District, Cypress-Klein Utility District, Parkway Utility District, Cypress Hill MUD No. 1, Harris County MUD No. 105, Harris County MUD No. 149, Harris County MUD No. 166, Northwest Harris County MUD No. 16, Harris County Water Control & Improvement District No. 89, Old Town Spring Improvement District, Timberlake Improvement District, The Woodlands Township.
Early Voting Hours of Operations
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
Harris County Law Library - Conference Center 1019 Congress Avenue, Houston, 77002 2. Moody Park: Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton Street, Houston, 77009 3. Kashmere: Kashmere Multi Service Center 4802 Lockwood Drive, Houston, 77026 4. Downtown-East: Ripley House Neighborhood Center 4410 Navigation Boulevard, Houston, 77011 5. Southeast Houston: H.C.C.S. Southeast College 6960 Rustic Street, Parking Garage, Houston, 77087 6. Palm Center: Young Neighborhood Library 5107 Griggs Road, Houston, 77021 7. Astrodome Area: Fiesta Mart 8130 Kirby Drive, Houston, 77054 8. Near Town: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center 1475 W. Gray Street, Houston, 77019 9. Galleria: Harris County Public Health 2223 West Loop South Fwy, 1st Floor, Houston, 77027 10. The Heights: SPJST Lodge #88 1435 Beall Street, Houston, 77008
1. Main Office:
Outside Loop 610
11. Northeast Houston: Northeast Multi-Service Center 9720 Spaulding Street, Building #4, Houston, 77016 12. Galena Park: Galena Park Library 1500 Keene Street, Galena Park, 77547 13. Hobby Area: John Phelps Courthouse 101 S. Richey Street, Pasadena, 77506 14. Sunnyside: Sunnyside Multi Service Center 9314 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, 77051 15. South Houston: Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center 3810 W. Fuqua Street, Houston, 77045 16. SW. Houston: Bayland Park Community Center 6400 Bissonnet Street (near Hillcroft), Houston, 77074 17. Near West Side: Tracy Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, 77042 (One block East of Sam Houston Tollway) 18. Spring Branch: Trini Mendenhall Community Center 1414 Wirt Road, Houston, 77055 19. Victory Center: Lone Star College - Victory Center 4141 Victory Drive, Houston, 77088 20. Acres Homes: Acres Homes Multi Service Center 6719 W. Montgomery Road, Houston, 77091 21. North: Hardy Senior Center 11901 West Hardy Road, Houston, 77076
Outside Beltway 8
22. Humble:
23. Kingwood: 24. Atascocita (*): 25. Crosby: 26. Wallisville Road: 27. Baytown: 28. Pasadena: 29. Clear Lake: 30. Scarsdale: 31. Alief : 32. West Houston: 33. Far West: 34. Katy: 35. North Katy: 36. Bear Creek: 37. Jersey Village: 38. South Cypress: 39. Cypress: 40. Northwest: 41. Fallbrook:
(*) Indicates change of location
42. Champion Forest:
STAN STANART Harris County Clerk
43. Tomball: 44. Far North: 45. Spring: 46. East Spring:
Octavia Fields Branch Library 1503 South Houston Avenue, Humble, 77338 Kingwood Community Center 4102 Rustic Woods Drive, Kingwood, 77345 Atascocita Branch Library 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble, 77346 Crosby Branch Library 135 Hare Road, Crosby, 77532 North Channel Branch Library 15741 Wallisville Road, Houston, 77049 Baytown Community Center 2407 Market Street, Baytown, 77520 East Harris County Activity Center 7340 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, 77505 Freeman Branch Library 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, 77062 Scarsdale County Annex 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard, Houston, 77089 Alief ISD Administration Building 4250 Cook Road, Houston, 77072 (Entrance on High Star - South Entrance) Nottingham Park 926 Country Place Drive, Houston, 77079 Harris County MUD 81 805 Hidden Canyon Road, Katy, 77450 Katy Branch Library 5414 Franz Road, Katy, 77493 Lone Star College - Cypress Center 19710 Clay Road, Katy, 77449 Living Word Church of Nazarene 16607 Clay Road, Houston, 77084 City of Jersey Village - City Hall 16327 Lakeview Drive, Jersey Village, 77040 Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress, 77433 Juergen’s Hall Community Center 26026 Hempstead Highway, Cypress, 77429 Prairie View A&M University - Northwest 9449 Grant Road, Houston, 77070 Fallbrook Church 12512 Walters Road, Houston, 77014 Champion Forest Baptist Church 4840 Strack Road, Houston, 77069 Tomball Public Works Building 501B James Street, Tomball, 77375 Lone Star College - Creekside Center 8747 West New Harmony Trail, Tomball, 77375 Spring First Church 1851 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, 77388 Big Stone Lodge 709 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring, 77373
Notice of Required Identification A voter must show one of the following forms of acceptable photo identification at the polling location before the voter may be accepted for voting, unless the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these forms of acceptable photo identification or the voter qualifies for one of the other exemptions identified below: (1) Texas Driver License issued by the Department of Public Safety (“DPS”); (2) Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; (3) Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS; (4) Texas Handgun License issued by DPS; (5) United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph; (6) United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph; or (7) United States Passport (book or card).
The address on an acceptable photo identification or a supporting document, if applicable, does not have to match the voter’s address on the list of registered voters.
With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or, for voters aged 18-69, have expired no more than 4 years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. A person 70 years of age or older may use a form of identification listed above that has expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.
Provisional Voting: If (a) a voter does not possess one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo identification (which, for voters aged 18-69, is not expired for more than four years, or, for voters aged 70 and older, may be expired for any length of time but is otherwise valid) and the voter can reasonably obtain one of these forms of identification or (b) if a voter possesses, but did not bring to the polling place, one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification (which, for voters aged 18-69, is not expired for more than four years, or, for voters aged 70 and older, may be expired for any length of time but is otherwise valid) or (c) if the voter does not possess one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification (which, for voters aged 18-69, is not expired for more than four years, or, for voters aged 70 and older, may be expired for any length of time but is otherwise valid), could not otherwise reasonably obtain one, but did not bring a supporting form of identification to the polling place; and the voter did not present a voter registration certificate with a permanent disability exemption indicated on their voter registration certificate, the voter may cast a provisional ballot at the polls. The voter will have six (6) calendar days after election day to (1) present an acceptable form of photo identification to the county voter registrar, or, (2) if the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the acceptable forms of photo identification, present one of the supporting forms of ID to the county voter registrar and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, or, (3) if applicable, qualify for one of the exemptions referenced above.
If a voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo identification listed above, and the voter cannot reasonably obtain such identification, the voter may execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present a copy or original of one of the following supporting documents: (1) a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate; (2) current utility bill; (3) bank statement; (4) government check; (5) paycheck; or (6) (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document).
Exemptions: Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption to presenting acceptable photo identification or following the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the polls. Voters with a religious objection to being photographed or voters who do not present an acceptable form of photo identification or follow the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the polls because of certain natural disasters may apply for a temporary exemption to presenting acceptable photo identification or following the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the polls. Please contact your voter registrar for more details.
H A R R I S C O U N T Y - w w w. H a r r is Vo t e s .com - 713.755.6965
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OCTOBER 25 | 2018 | DEFENDER
Astros title quest ends Defender News Services
A franchise-record 103 regular-season wins and a dominating performance against the Indians in the American League Division Series seemed to have the Houston Astros poised to head back to the World Series full of bravado and confidence. But after the Astros charged into Fenway Park and stole Game 1 of the AL Championship Series, the Boston Red Sox stopped the back-to-back tour cold in its tracks. The Red Sox eliminated the defending champs with a 4-1 victory in Game 5 at Minute Maid Park. When Tony Kemp flied out to Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi for the final out, the Astros’ championship reign was over after 351 days. Players lingered in the dugout while Boston celebrated on the field. Later in a quiet clubhouse, players shuffled about between lockers and exchanged goodbyes and hugs. A group of players sat in a circle and talked in hushed tones as reporters whizzed past them looking for the next interview. “It’s always disappointing to lose,” said George Springer. “It’s a tough pill to swallow. Sometimes you have to give credit to the other guys. They got the big hit in big situations and made big plays. That’s the game. You put it behind you, let it soak in for a few days and you’re onto next year.”
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14
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 25 | 2018
defendernetwork.com
sports Texan Andre Hal conquers cancer, back on the field By MAX EDISON Defender
This past June, the Texans announced that starting safety Andre Hal had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It may affect people of any age, but is most common in people between 20 and 40 years old and those over 55. For Hal, a fifth-year veteran out of Vanderbilt who was playing the best ball of his career, it was the worst possible news at the worst possible time. Hal is also a man of faith and never batted an eye in the face of adversity. “My faith in God and the support from my family, friends, teammates and coaches will see me through this difficult time,” Hal read in a statement. “I will not let this diagnosis stop me from fulfilling my dreams and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I know how to beat this and I will beat it.” Head coach Bill O’Brien explained Hal’s value to the team upon his initial diagnosis. “He’s a special guy,” O’Brien said. “He came here, a seventh-round draft pick, we moved him to safety. He’s played a lot of football for us and he’s played a lot of good football for us. “It’s one of those things where it’s part of life and we’re going to do everything we can to support him in his battle,” O’Brien said. “Like he told the team, he’s going to beat it. He’s going to beat it and we’ll be there every step of the way for him.” On Sept. 26, the Texans announced that Hal was in remission after receiving his preliminary diagnosis in May. Hal started and made his 2018 season debut in Jacksonville after being activated off the non-football illness list on Oct. 20 following his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He elected to forego traditional chemotherapy and described the treatment that allowed him to return this season. “I did a targeted drug called Rituxan for a month. That was in July. I finished that in July and then after that I kind of did my own thing and I got better – hyperbaric chamber, acupuncture two times per week, Vitamin C IV two times a week, working out, eating right,” he said. “I did so much. It was a lot of stuff I was doing just to get back on the field and for me just to stay healthy. I didn’t
want to be sick. That was the main reason, and then football was the second reason.” With injuries in the secondary, not only did Hal play this season, he started at his safety position in the 20-7 win over Jacksonville. “From the beginning I knew I was going to play,” he said. “I just didn’t know when. I always had that [belief]. That’s why I never stopped coming to practice, I never stopped working out because I just had the feeling that I was going to play again.” Hal’s joy of returning to the playing field was tempered by the death of his father earlier in the week. “I wanted to play for my dad, Andre Hal Sr., who passed last Tuesday. I know he wanted me back on that field. Getting out there for him felt great. I know he was watching me.” The past six months have definitely been the times that test a man’s mettle and character. Hal feels that not only is his body healed, but he has a different aura of peace.
Andre Hal
“I’m definitely a different person – different spiritually, mentally, physically,” he said. “I’m in the best shape of my life just from working out all the time, eating right, getting closer to God, getting closer to myself, finding out who I am, stuff like that. I’m a better person.”
Hal was drafted by the Texans in the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football at Vanderbilt and high school football in Port Allen, La.
Hal, a starting safety, kept the faith after his Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and is in remission.
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 25 | 2018 | DEFENDER
H.S. sports
15
Hogan is a multi-talented cornerback and three-way starter for Lamar. (Photos by Jodie B. Jiles and Jimmie Aggison).
ALEX HOGAN
does it all for Lamar for the different roles you play on defense, offense and special teams? Hogan: “Mainly staying focused and thinking Lamar High School cornerback Alex Hogan, a Texas about doing whatever I can do to help my team win” Tech commit, is the true definition of a playmaker. Defender: Walk us through what goes through On the defensive side of the ball he is called upon to your head when returning punts and kicks? cover the opposing teams’ best wide receivers. On special Hogan: “When I am back deep I just think teams he is lighting in a bottle, about scoring, what I particularly on punt returns. On can do to get myself offense he is called upon to run in the endzone, what my the wildcat in short yardage situteammates can do to help Game highlights: Lamar vs. Bellaire ations. Hogan is everywhere on me and just making plays the field. for the team.” When Lamar Head Coach Defender: Why is Michael Lindsey was asked about his three-way starter he Texas Tech the right fit for you? said. “Hogan is a competitor. He comes out every game, lays Hogan: “I feel like it is the right fit for me because it on the line and loves to compete. He is an electric athlete. I’m not too big and not too small. I have family up there We know when the ball is in his hands anything can happen. and it just felt like home when I went there. I like what It doesn’t matter if he is playing offense, defense or special the coaches are doing with their defensive backs and I teams. Alex is a competitor.” know when I go as a freshman I have a high chance of Hogan talked with the Defender about his role on the playing.” team and how he managed to become “Mr. Everywhere” on Defender: How do you exceed the expectations the field this season. of your team as you push your way into the end of Defender: How would you describe your style of play? the season and playoffs? Hogan: “A physical lockdown corner. I can play everyHogan: “I have to mainly stay on top of [my where. Anyone that you put in front of me is going to get the team]. I have to have energy, everyone has to have business.” energy so that everyone can play as a family and we Defender: How do you prepare yourself as an athlete are going to win.” By JODIE B. JILES Defender
DefenderNetwork.com
About Hogan
Class: 2019 Twitter: #fvmousalo Favorite NFL player: Marcus Peters Favorite food: Hamburgers Favorite subject: Math World problem he would solve: Stop the violence Hobbies: Eating, sleeping and playing Fortnite Favorite musical artist: NBA YoungBoy What most people don’t know: Likes swimming Dream job after football: Working with kids
defendernetwork.com • Serving the Houston area for over 85 years
16
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 25 | 2018
defendernetwork.com
Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
SHOWTIME @ THE APOLLO HOUSTON LINKS STYLE……..The Gulf the packed house that received inspirational words from several individuals, Coast Apollo Chapter of the Links, Inc. recently hosted Showtime at the Apollo including PVAMU’s nationally acclaimed President Ruth Simmons and event Links Style. The phenomenal evening guided by MC Melanie Lawson provided keynote speaker, Mayor Sylvester Turner. Attendees included Dameshia song, dance, incredible music by Collector’s Item and more. The gathering Deflora, Dr. Gerald D’Souza, Bishop D. Kimathi Nelson, Nailah Nelson, doubled as a major fundraiser to support scholarships and other community Joyce Johnson, Oscar Taylor, Ursula Dorsey, Bryon Roterson, Terri service efforts. Attendees included Roxann Chargois, Lorna Hankins, Patricia Dickerson, James and Alysia Robertson and scores more……..100 BLACK Ingram, Mary Benton, Janis Benton, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Adrianne MEN METRO HOUSTON BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS……..The 100 Walker, Dr. Felecia Garner, Jami Newsome, Eraka Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, Inc. recently hosted its Childs, Sharon Watkins Jones, Deric Muhammad, Dr. Defender TOP EVENTS inaugural Breakfast of Champions: Expanding Our Reach Michelle Martin, Dr. Luther Johnson, Morgan Woodard and Impact program. The event recognized eight individuals More photos on defendernetwork.com and many more. …….. ANNUAL PRAIRIE VIEW A&M who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING GALA……..The organization’s mission while showcasing work being conducted Second Annual Prairie View A&M Foundation Gala, held at the Houston Hilton in the greater Houston area: George Lunnon Jr., Dr. Richard Johnson, Bethew Jennings III, Dr. Frazier Wilson, Mark Williams, Darnell Joseph, Dr. Post Oak, honored the organization’s mantra “Growing Greatness Through Giving” by raising funds for all areas of academic and student achievement at John Rudley and the late Benjamin Piggott. Other attendees included Mayor PVAMU. Foundation chairman Roy Perry, honorary gala chair, David Allen, Sylvester Turner, Len Cannon, Evan Blackshear, Troy Brown, Xander Linsey, Dezmond Tanner, Rob Javian Spearman and many more. the mayor of Prairie View, Texas and MC Khambrel Marshall welcomed
Janice Benton, Roxann Chargois, Lorna Hankins, Adrianne Walker
Eraka Childs, Melanie Lawson
Geynille Agee, Bishop Kimathi Nelson, Nailah Nelson, Terri Dickerson
PVAMU President Dr. Ruth J. Simmons
Len Cannon with youth participants
Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Ronald Jackson
Dr. Luther Johnson, Morgan Woodard, Ada Penrice-Johnson, Luther Johnson Sr.
Alysia Robertson, James Robertson
Reco Caston, Kenneth Robinson Jr., Darnell Joseph, Adraon Greene
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